Celebrations as English 'big six' all pull out of European Super League

English football's so-called 'big six' have confirmed their intention to pull out of the proposed European Super League.
Supporters protest outside Chelsea's ground before the announcement of the wholesale English withdrawal from the European Super LeagueSupporters protest outside Chelsea's ground before the announcement of the wholesale English withdrawal from the European Super League
Supporters protest outside Chelsea's ground before the announcement of the wholesale English withdrawal from the European Super League

Manchester City became the first team to quit the controversial project on Tuesday evening and were later followed by Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

It is understood Chelsea also began proceedings to withdraw from the breakaway competition as fans protested outside Stamford Bridge while the team played out a goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It capped a remarkable evening of developments in the saga which also saw United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward resign.

People power won the day in our campaign against the European Super LeaguePeople power won the day in our campaign against the European Super League
People power won the day in our campaign against the European Super League

TV pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher toasted the demise of the Super League after the controversial breakaway tournament was disowned by English clubs.

Neville declared the Super League was finished when he appeared on Sky Sports after Chelsea's draw against Brighton.

He said: "It's absolutely incredible. There was large concern yesterday morning as a Manchester United fan thinking Joel Glazer put his name on a statement - you thought it's going to be difficult to back down.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"But City have enacted withdrawal proceedings and Chelsea are doing the same. It's gone, done!"

Neville's fellow Sky Sports pundit Carragher, a former Liverpool defender and a fellow outspoken critic of the Super League, tweeted a picture of a headstone engraved with the inscription "European Super League born April 18, 2021, died April 20, 2021."

Carragher claimed the comments of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, midfielder James Milner and Leeds striker Patrick Bamford after Monday night's match helped swing the balance.

"I just think the reaction of everybody, Jurgen Klopp coming out last night, James Milner and Patrick Bamford," he told Sky Sports.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Yesterday afternoon I was fearful. It was really serious, it felt like there was no fight, that the ship had sailed.

"But after the game I felt reenergised and was confident this would be over after those players came out. That gave me a huge lift. I said as soon as one goes that's the end of it, and it's finished.

"Klopp threw the owners under the bus, the captain (Jordan Henderson) has, Kenny Dalglish has. I don't know what they are hanging on for. I don't see a future for the ownership on the back of this."