Super League announcement is "a dark day for football" says Solihull MP - The Solihull Observer

Super League announcement is "a dark day for football" says Solihull MP

Solihull Editorial 19th Apr, 2021 Updated: 19th Apr, 2021   0

POLITICIANS from across Solihull have slammed, plans for a football “Super League” which has been announced.

Solihull MP, Julian Knight called it “a dark day for football”, after it emerged the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham intended to join a rebel European competition.

The Premier League clubs have joined AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid as founding clubs.

Mr Knight is the chair of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee – which is to meet to discuss how to respond to the proposals.




West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has also attacked the plan saying it goes against goes fair play in sport.

The conservatives promised to set up a “fan-led review” of the way football clubs are managed, in their manifesto for the 2019 general election.


On Twitter Mr Knight said: “This is a very dark day for football – a deal done behind closed door apparently with no regard for supporters.

“Though this idea was mooted months ago, what’s shocking is the speed at which this breakaway league has been announced.

“What’s needed is a fan-led review of football with real teeth and here we have more evidence to strengthen the case for it.

“Football needs a reset, but this is not the way to do it.

“The interests of community clubs must be put at the heart of any future plans.

“We, the committee, will be discussing this when we meet tomorrow in a private session.”

Mr Street said on Twitter: “Proposals for a European Super League are absolutely appalling and we must stand together to stop them.

“Creating a closed competition that serves only the wealthiest clubs goes against the very essence of fair play in sport, and shuts the door on all other clubs aspiring to be part of the game’s elite.

“It is blindingly obvious that a super league will have a serious detrimental impact on the English football pyramid and those Premier League clubs outside the so-called ‘big six’.

“I have therefore already reached out to clubs at all levels across the West Midlands and told them I will do all I can to fight the plans working with Government. Having met with our regional clubs several times during the pandemic, I stand ready to support them again over these disgraceful super league proposals.”

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