Midlands clubs condemn Super League - as English sides pull out

The proposed Super League that rocked the football world is on the brink of collapse following a dramatic day in which three West Midlands clubs joined others across Europe in condemning it, writes Dan Harrison.

Six English clubs who signed up as founder members of the new European competition dramatically withdrew last night after a fierce backlash from players, managers, supporters and politicians.

The Premier League 's remaining 14 clubs held an emergency meeting yesterday afternoon, after which West Midlands clubs Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Wolves released statements opposing the Super League.

Villa 's statement read: “Aston Villa stands alongside all the clubs, supporters groups and the entire football family who have condemned the plans to create a so-called European Super League.

“We are not standing idly by allowing the dreams of Aston Villa fans to be taken away by this sinister scheme.

“Working along with fellow members of the Premier League and its Board we have today agreed to consider a range of punitive actions against those clubs and their executives who are involved.

“We are reassured by the UK government 's position and the range of legislative options under consideration to do whatever it takes to prevent this scheme from becoming a reality. ”

A West Bromwich Albion statement said: “As a founder member of The Football League in 1888, the club believes in the principles of fair competition; in allowing all fans to dream that this year could be their year, and with that, the knowledge that poor performance may bring the consequences of relegation.

“A closed league is not one that any club outside of the so-called “Big Six ” can endorse, and one it is apparent no genuine football fan - even if they follow one of those six teams - can support.

“The six Premier League clubs taking this step have turned their backs on English football, dismissing any concerns for the future of our game at all levels. ”

Within hours of the Premier League meeting, Chelsea and Manchester City announced their withdrawal from the Super League, with the four other English clubs - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - following suit soon after.

Spanish club Atletico Madrid have also reportedly withdrawn, while Barcelona said they would not sign up to the competition without a vote from their members.

Pictured: Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa