Liverpool are out of the European Super League plans – but that certainly won’t be the end of the matter.
The Reds confirmed on Sunday that they were part of the proposal to form a breakway league with 11 other European clubs.
The announcement was met with a barrage of anger from Liverpool fans, who are disgusted that their club even tried something so brazen.
Fans removed banners from inside Anfield and displayed banners outside the stadium against the club’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group.
Liverpool veteran James Milner came out and admitted that he didn’t want the league to happen, and with Jurgen Klopp taking a similar stance, it was clear that the key men at Liverpool weren’t happy.
On Tuesday night, Liverpool confirmed that they are withdrawing from the Super League, joining the other five Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham – in leaving.
FSG leader John Henry has become the first of the owners to come out and speak about the situation, and offered an apology to fans.
Henry apologised to Jurgen Klopp and CEO Billy Hogan, believing that he alone has caused unnecessary disruption.
Henry still claims the plans were in the best interests of the club and not himself, and vowed to try and make it up to supporters; here’s every word the American just said.
“I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused over the past 48 hours,” said Henry. “It goes without saying, but should be said; the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans. No-one ever thought differently in England.”
“Over these 48 hours, you were very clear that it would not stand; we heard you, I heard you. I want to apologise to Jurgen, to Billy, to the players, and to everyone who has worked so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption; they were the most disrupted, and unfairly so, and this is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every single day.”
“I know the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help us move forward. More than a decade ago, when we signed up for the challenges associated with football, we dreamed of what you dreamed of, and we’ve worked hard to improve your club. Our work isn’t done, and I hope that you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes, we’re trying to work in your club’s best interests.”
“In this endeavour, I’ve let you down. Again, I’m sorry, and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget and shows the power that fans have today, and will rightly continue to have.”
“If there is one thing that this horrible pandemic has clearly shown, it’s how crucial fans are to our sport and to every sport. It’s shown in every empty stadium. It’s been an incredible tough year for all of us, virtually no-one unaffected. It’s important that the Liverpool football family remain intact, vital and committed to what we have seen from you globally with local gestures of kindness and support. I can promise you I will do whatever I can do to further that. Thanks for listening.”
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