Football fans across Manchester react angrily to European Super League plans

The Government has said it will do "whatever it takes'' to prevent a controversial breakaway European Super League involving some of England's biggest football teams.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that they were working with the game's authorities to ensure that the plans could not go ahead as suggested.

In a Commons statement, he said that if the sport was unable to act, then ministers were prepared to step in to protect the national game:

"Be in no doubt, if they can't act, we will. We will put everything on the table to prevent this from happening.

"We are examining every option from governance to competition law to mechanisms that allow football to take place.

"We will be reviewing everything Government does to support these clubs to play. We will do whatever it takes to protect our national game.''

His warning follows the announcement that Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City have signed up to the plan, joining teams from Italy and Spain, provoking outrage across the sport.

In announcing the news, United co-chairman Joel Glazer, who is also vice-chairman of the Super League, said:

"By bringing together the world's greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.''

Fans have expressed their anger at the plans, with one group staging a protest outside Old Trafford on Monday afternoon.

Around a dozen football fans gathered outside Manchester United's stadium with signs to show their opposition to the plans.

Andrew Clark, 22, a residential support worker from Urmston said:

"I think it is an absolute cash grab.

"I think that it disrespects and ignores all other football clubs out there and it puts us (Manchester United) on a pedestal and says 'we are better than you just because we have a lot more money'.

"I think it's come down to greed rather than actually wanting to play any football.''

Colin Bradley, 62, a bricklayer from Stretford and a lifelong Manchester United supporter said:

"It is an absolute land grab from a lot of wealthy people who have no passion for football, they don't care about this club or any other club, they just care about making money.

"They are here for their own interests, not for ours.''

He added:

"The rest of the league teams in England are being abandoned by the rich, in favour of more money.''

Jacob Ward, 21, a student living in Manchester said:

"It is just going to rip the heart out of football.''

"They don't really care what the majority of fans are thinking, as long as people are still coming and watching, and people are still paying them to watch the games.''

Supporters are also threatening to cancel season tickets over plans to form the breakaway league.

Matt, a lifelong Manchester United fan, said he will not be renewing his membership at the club because of the news about the new competition.

He said he believes it is "all about the money''.

The 25-year-old said:

"They talk about these magical nights against the best in Europe, but they don't care."

"They don't care at all.

"They only care about the money.

"If you have a closed group with the same 15 plus five lucky ticket winners, it's not going to have the same atmosphere, the same meaning to it.

"I'd still rather watch the Premier League without United, City, Chelsea, Arsenal et cetera than a Super League playing the same teams.''

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