Super League responds as all six EPL clubs quit after ferocious backlash

Less than 48 hours after its founders bragged how the Super League would save football, the breakaway group is going down in flames.

The fans have spoken.

Manchester City became the first club to withdraw from proposals for a European Super League as five other English Premier League teams followed suit after a furious backlash against the controversial plan, which was floated less than 48 hours ago.

City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham were part of 12 leading European clubs to sign up to the breakaway league on Monday (AEDT).

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But reaction to the incendiary scheme has been scathing, with politicians and football authorities threatening to take legal action against the so-called “dirty dozen” and potentially ban them from domestic leagues.

City and Chelsea were the first to jump ship on Wednesday morning (AEDT), before the rest of their English rivals did the same. Their decision to initially sign up to the Super League sparked outrage across the world as fans rejoiced in the sudden backflip.

Italian teams Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were the other sides to agree to the plan. However, reports have emerged that Atletico and Barcelona are both also considering withdrawing.

Super League responds after mass exodus

The remaining members of the Super League released a joint statement saying they will “reconsider” their next steps after the English clubs pulled out.

“The European Super League is convinced that the current status quo of European football needs to change. We are proposing a new European competition because the existing system does not work,” the statement said.

“Our proposal is aimed at allowing the sport to evolve while generating resources and stability for the full football pyramid, including helping to overcome the financial difficulties experienced by the entire football community as a result of the pandemic. It would also provide materially enhanced solidarity payments to all football stakeholders.

“Despite the announced departure of the English clubs, forced to take such decisions due to the pressure put on them, we are convinced our proposal is fully aligned with European law and regulations as was demonstrated today by a court decision to protect the Super League from third party actions.

“Given the current circumstances, we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possibly while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.”

Clubs explain wild backflip

What he said.

One by one, as the dominoes fell, English clubs explained why they were backing down.

In a statement, Manchester City said: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that it has formally enacted the procedures to withdraw from the group developing plans for a European Super League.”

Manchester United said it had “listened carefully to the reaction from our fans, the UK government and other key stakeholders” while Liverpool said: “In recent days, the club has received representations from various key stakeholders, both internally and externally, and we would like to thank them for their valuable contributions.”

Arsenal said what everybody was thinking. “We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought,” the Gunners’ statement said.

“It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future.

“As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy tried to justify why Spurs got involved in the first place.

“We regret the anxiety and upset caused by the ESL proposal,” Levy said. “We felt it was important that our club participated in the development of a possible new structure that sought to better ensure financial fair play and financial sustainability whilst delivering significantly increased support for the wider football pyramid.”

United boss to move on

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who joined the club in 2005, announced he will resign at the end of 2021, but made no mention of the Super League.

“I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years,” Woodward said in a statement.

“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.

“I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times. I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.”

There are also unconfirmed reports Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli is preparing to quit his post too, but the club has denied that.

Earlier, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told the clubs it was not too late to admit they had made a mistake.

“Gentlemen, you made a huge mistake,” said Ceferin. “Some will say it is greed, some complete ignorance of England’s football culture. There’s still time to change your mind. Everyone makes mistakes.”

Fans voice fury as Super League implodes

The backlash has been severe.

There’s been universal outrage over the breakaway group.

There were incredible scenes outside Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium as fans gathered to protest against the plan ahead of their side’s Premier League match against Brighton.

Less than two hours after the protesters made their feelings known, it was first reported that Chelsea were preparing documentation to become the first club to withdraw from the competition.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, now the club’s technical advisor, had come out of the stadium in a bid to persuade fans to clear the roads as the home side’s team bus was held up by the protest, causing kick-off to be delayed by 15 minutes.

Cech was heard shouting “give us time” before being drowned out by angry protesters.

Petr Cech has come outside Stamford Bridge to speak to the many angry fans "I know! Give everybody time!" [@willreyner] pic.twitter.com/W4wUj582yn

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) April 20, 2021

Coaches, players criticise $5.4b breakaway

The 20-team competition was designed by the European giants to guarantee revenue from regular matches against one another without the risk of failing to qualify for 15 founder members.

The 12 teams had signed up to share an initial pot of over $5.4 billion. However, the plan was fiercely criticised by even their own players and managers for acting as a closed shop.

“It’s not a sport when the relation between effort and reward doesn’t exist,” said Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

“It’s not a sport when success is already guaranteed, it’s not a sport if it doesn’t matter if you lose.”

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford shared an image on Twitter of one of the banners which covers the stands at Old Trafford.

The banner carries a quote from the club’s legendary former manager Sir Matt Busby, which reads: “Football is nothing without fans.”

All that needs to be said.

No wonder the match was delayed.

Chelsea fans were making their feelings known.

With AFP

Originally published as Super League responds as all six EPL clubs quit after ferocious backlash