European Super League: EPL ‘big six’ supporters’ clubs promise backlash; ‘unbridled American greed’ says one insider

American owners of several of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ ESL participants in the crosshairs as fan groups begin the fightback

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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would be the chairman of the proposed European Super League. Photo: EPA

Published: 3:18pm, 19 Apr 2021Updated: 3:22pm, 19 Apr 2021

Anger swept across English football after yesterday’s revelation that the “big six” Premier League teams have signed up to the European Super League (ESL). Supporter groups expressed their outrage as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur admitted that they were among the 12 clubs aiming to establish a midweek competition outside the jurisdiction of Uefa.

The proposals represent a huge threat to the integrity of the European game. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have signed up too, as have Milan, Internazionale and Juventus.

The news leaked yesterday afternoon and was a “major, major shock” to football authorities across the continent according to a senior figure. The clubs involved confirmed their participation late last night but by then fury was spreading throughout the game.

Liverpool’s Spirit of Shankly Supporters’ Union made their objections clear on social media. “Embarrassing,” they tweeted. “As fan representatives we are appalled and completely oppose this decision. Fenway Sports Group [Liverpool’s owners] have ignored fans in their relentless and greedy pursuit of money. Football is ours not theirs. Our football club is ours not theirs.”

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) entitled their response: “The betrayal of Tottenham Hotspur.” Arsenal’s Supporters’ Trust said the news heralded the “death of Arsenal as a sporting institution.”