Gavin Williamson brands European Super League plans 'quite simply wrong'

20 April 2021, 08:11

Gavin Williamson says Super League plans are "quite simply wrong"

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson tells LBC plans for six clubs to join a breakaway European Super League is "quite simply wrong."

Amid a national conversation over the future of football, LBC's Nick Ferrari grilled the Education Secretary on the issue.

When Nick asked the senior politician what football team he supports the answer seemed a little halting, the eventual answer was Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But when Nick asked Mr Williamson for his reaction to six English clubs planning to break away and join a European Super League the answer was much quicker.

"It's quite simply wrong," Mr Williamson said.

He told Nick football clubs are "based in their communities" and this was "where they gain their strength from."

The Education Secretary said the owners of these six clubs "seem to have forgotten that."

"It's just, quite simply not right, it's losing track of what football is about."

Prince William, president of the Football Association, voiced his concern over the plan which would see the breakaway clubs reap the benefits of a lucrative new competition without the threat of relegation. He said the proposal risked "damage" to the "game we love".

Ex-FA chair predicts clubs are 'already looking for a way out'

Football authorities will consider their next moves in the fight against the proposed European Super League on Tuesday as the 12 clubs signed up press ahead with the plans.

Tensions escalated on Monday night as fans gathered outside Elland Road to voice their anger during the build-up to Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Leeds - a match in which the Reds' Champions League qualification hopes were dented but which would in future be a dead rubber if the 'closed-shop' plans go ahead.

As shirts were burned outside the stadium, inside Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp walked a tight rope as he reiterated his own belief that a Super League is a bad idea while insisting neither he nor his players had been consulted by the club's owners.

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Nick Ferrari reflects on his visit to Estonia

The bravery of our troops is unquestionable, but we must boost defence spending, writes Nick Ferrari

Exclusive
Keir Starmer speaks to Nick Ferrari

Starmer refuses to commit to 3% defence spend as he insists priority is 'working collectively' with Nato allies

'Our wombs are owned by Westminister': Myleene Klass hits out at government for neglecting women going through baby loss

'Our wombs are owned by Westminster': Myleene Klass hits out at government for neglecting women experiencing baby loss

Exclusive
Nick Ferrari Challenge: Can LBC’s Henry Riley recreate Daniel Khalife’s prison escape?

Nick Ferrari Challenge: Can LBC’s Henry Riley recreate Daniel Khalife’s dramatic prison escape?

Exclusive
Mandy Damari, the mother of Emily Damari - the last remaining British citizen being held hostage in Gaza - has pleaded with Sir Keir Starmer to help bring her daughter home as she looked back on the harrowing events of October 7.

'It nearly broke my heart': Mother of British hostage Emily Damari blasts Downing Street over vetoed Gaza deal

Exclusive
Jane Rubens, 73, from Edinburgh was hit by a large vehicle in early November and remains in a coma.

Insurance firm gave Brit 'less than 24 hours' to make a decision against doctors’ advice after mum suffered brain injury

Exclusive
LBC’s Nick Ferrari has remembered being spiked while at a party.

‘The whole world was spinning’: Nick Ferrari candidly recalls drink spiking as he shares 'appalling' side-effects

Exclusive
‘The storm of war is gathering’: Defence cuts leave UK critically unprepared for a 'bumpy decade', warns ex-minister

‘The storm of war is gathering’: Defence cuts leave UK 'woefully unprepared' for a 'bumpy decade', warns ex-minister

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson 'hasn't changed her mind' and will vote against assisted dying bill

Education Secretary Bridget Philipson 'hasn't changed her mind' and will vote against assisted dying bill

Nick Ferrari takes to the streets of the US to ask Americans: 'Can you identify these British politicians?'

Nick Ferrari takes to the streets of the US to ask Americans: 'Can you identify these British politicians?'

Why did Trump win and why did Harris lose? Nick Ferrari asks American voters

Why did Trump win and Harris lose? Nick Ferrari asks American voters in the wake of US election results

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the United States'

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the US'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she strongly disagrees with a tweet that a backbench MP appeared to have reposted saying Kemi Badenoch represents "white supremacy in blackface".

Cooper condemns 'appalling' tweet shared by Dawn Butler labelling Kemi Badenoch 'white supremacy in blackface'

Exclusive
Cumberland County: Where the US election could be won or lost

Nick Ferrari travels to America for the US Election: Watch the best bits here

Exclusive
The Chancellor was speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast

Chancellor ‘doesn’t know’ salary of new chairman tasked with ensuring government ‘value for money'

Transparency over Southport stabbings key to avoiding 'deep public mistrust in the criminal justice system', says Jenrick

Transparency over Southport stabbings key to avoiding 'deep public mistrust' in criminal justice system, says Jenrick