It’s now common knowledge that some of Europe’s biggest clubs have come together to announce the European Super League. This select group of elite clubs look to change the shape of football as we know it and everyone is making their voices heard.
Power in Numbers
Clubs in the Premier League came together without the presence of the teams involved in the Super League, they came to an undisputed decision to refuse plans of a breakaway league competition.
A Statement from the Premier League read; “The 14 clubs at the meeting came unanimously and vigorously rejected the plans for the competition. The Premier League is considering all actions available to prevent it from progressing, as well as holding those shareholders involved to account under its rules.”
Everton put out their own statement during the ongoing ESL dilemma stating that there should be some kind of repercussions for the ‘big six’ who are trying to become a part of this secondary competition. In their statement Everton recommended points deduction could be something that should be looked at going forward.
During Tuesday evening one English club have pulled out of the said proposal. Manchester City have withdrawn from all things Super League and Chelsea seem to be making their way down the same road, this has set things in motion for other clubs to follow suit and look for a way out, before action can be taken against them by other governing bodies.
Players Speak out
Protesters outside Stamford Bridge as Chelsea arrived at their home ground for their Premier League fixture against 16th place Brighton & Hove Albion. Fans of the South West London club were out in full force shown airing their disgust with the clubs choice to be pro ESL. Supporters came brandishing banners saying: “Football belongs to us not you” and blocking the team bus from entering the stadium.
With one team officially pulling out there is the possibility that the ESL will not last much longer. Liverpool club captain Jordan Henderson released a statement that read “We don’t like it and we don’t want it to happen. This is our collective position. Our commitment to this football club and its supporters is absolute and unconditional. You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Players, pundits and fans are all united in their stance against the ESL. Club rivalries no longer matter, petty ill feelings towards one another is no longer on the agenda, everyone in the world of football from the ground up has come together to speak up and stop the higher powers from taking the beautiful game away from its roots and those it means the most to.
The British media have been at the front foot of every single motion as stories unfold, the unity between all those involved in the stances taken against the Super League clearly shows the impact such a competition would have on football as a whole. Governing bodies such as UEFA, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA have all come together in order to stop the assembly of the ESL showing that this is beyond money it is about the peoples sport and the sheer love of football.
