Josh Kroenke has been speaking to Road Trippin‘ about his involvement with Arsenal, where the Super League was mentioned.
What’s the story?
Well, you will surely remember the Super League fiasco of 2021, such was the uproar it caused across English football.
Arsenal – along with Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City – attempted to break away from the Premier League and form their own division alongside other European giants.
After supporters pushed back against this decision, Arsenal – and the other five Premier League sides – all withdrew from the Super League.
It was a total disaster and a terrible idea, although Kroenke thinks some good came out of the whole situation.
The 41-year-old said: “They didn’t want the change. That was the only thing that mattered that we were going to make changes to the system they love. I understood that. I’m encouraged by the whole process because it’s brought me and our whole staff closer to our supporters than ever before.”
In our view, that’s pleasing to hear. It’s always a shame when owners just do what they want with little regard for the fans, so it’s good to see Kroenke now making an effort on that front.
Arsenal faced penalties after Super League withdrawal
After withdrawing from the Super League, Arsenal faced sanctions due to the fact it was a legal agreement.
According to The Telegraph, the Gunners were fined £3.6m for their involvement, and they also agreed to pay £25m and accept a 30-point deduction if something like this ever happened again.
Arsenal were also fined £7m by UEFA, and those participating in UEFA competitions saw their prize money deducted by 5%.
In our view, the penalties were not harsh enough for those trying to destroy the foundations of football – it was a complete and utter joke.
Every cloud has a silver lining, however, and for Arsenal, it seems that a stronger relationship with the Kroenke’s has emerged from the metaphorical rubble.
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