European Super League: Petition against breakaway competition attracts thousands of signatures

‘We will NEVER allow this,’ wrote one signee, while another commented: ‘Save the sport’

A petition opposing the planned European Super League has attracted more than 100,000 signatures in fewer than two days as fans continue to air their grievances around the breakaway tournament.

Widespread criticism met Sunday’s announcement of a new competition involving 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs, including six from the Premier League, three from La Liga in Spain and three from Italy’s Serie A – with others expected to join.

Manchester United, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are set to take part in the Super League, alongside Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Fans of those clubs have expressed their disgust with the tournament proposals, which many involved in the sport believe go against the very nature of competition due to a lack of promotion, relegation and qualification.

Many supporters have made their feelings clear by signing a petition on Change.org, with more than 114,000 signatures having already been added.

The target for the petition, started by Harry Groves on Sunday, is 150,000 signatures.

One signee commented: “This [competition] is completely ruining football just so that the rich get richer.”

Another wrote: “Not today, not tomorrow. We will NEVER allow this. Even as rivals like Real Madrid and Barca fans, we needs to stick together and fight this. We must be together to finish this once and for all.”

“Save the sport, Liverpool fan here,” one supporter added. “The effort has to come from us top 12 team’s fans.”

A Man United fan commented: “I love football. I love United and this is not fair.”

Premier League clubs who are not due to be involved in the Super League have begun to speak out against the tournament, while Uefa and Fifa have threatened to punish any teams and players that take part, suggesting that they could be banned from the Champions League, Europa League, World Cup and Euros.