twitter.comPosted Apr 18, 2021, 3:31 PM UTC
I will stop being a Spurs fan if we join the European super league. It won’t be fun or easy, but at the end of the day you follow a football team because it means something to you, and I support Tottenham Hotspur not ENIC.
I really hope this doesn’t happen, but if it does I think that these clubs will have a rude awakening that a proposal 99% of fans are against will not go over well with fans.
Third generation Spurs fan here, if this goes through they've lost my support
I feel the same way.
I’ve got a season ticket, live a 15 minute cycle from the Lane and am also a third generation fan
Yup same here. I'd be all for a phoenix club, or all disgruntled (ex)Spurs fans agree which club to pledge new allegiance to. May I suggest Haringey Borough Football Club, based at Coles Park on actual White Hart Lane? https://www.haringeyboroughfc.net/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haringey_Borough_F.C.
I want to believe that this is true but Spurs are a multinational company now, we aren't just a local football team now. Us local supporters don't matter any more, not like we used to at least, what matters now is the international fans that treat the club as a destination. There are more global fans than English based supporters now (yes, I am making a distinction between fans and supporters) and I believe the change is noticeable on match days by how many people know the chants, 2/3rds of the ground dedicated to Spurs were silent last time I went. That is the future. That is sad.
Sad facts. But still the facts.
International fan here, fully against this decision. This is absurd. English football has been special for so long, and to demolish its top division like this, in a move born of pure greed, is a disgrace to the clubs involved.
Aye, same. It's not an idle threat either, i jsut have no interest in supporting something like that. I'd rather just start fully supporting Lincoln who have been a second team for me for a few years now.
For me it would be either Leeds or Bayern Munich, my family has links to both. My family has a big Chelsea supporter base but I'd rather fry my own testicles and eat them than support that club!
Join the real Gs and start supporting 1860 Munich
I’ll also be done with them. It’ll be hard to find another team with the same original spirit of Spurs but I’ll try.
I will be a Spurs supporter until I die, but if we do get into this money grabbing scheme it will be like a wimbledon/mk dons type situation for me. You can call it thfc all you want, but it's a brand name only from then on, and I don't support brands.
I've always been proud to have a man leading the club who's tottenham through and through, but the simple fact were even in this discussion is making me question a lot of things. I'm beyond disgusted. I'd honestly prefer we went into administration and got demoted league 2 than get into this super league scam.
Time for AFC Hotspur to play at White Heart Lane
I like the sound of that
Agreed. We have rivalries that are decades old, refreshed twice yearly or more. They're as much a part of our lives as family members, our local pub, the school or workplace we go to - what do I care about Real Madrid or Lille or whoever? I'll never meet their fans at a party or chat with them in the queue at the supermarket, so what's the point?
I don't think I've ever seen such a wholly visceral and united response to anything in football, and I'm pleased. If it goes ahead, whatever ends up happening in N17 it won't be the club I've watched for decades. My money will go to my local side who may not have a billion pound stadium, but who I can take my kids to watch whenever we want to go, and who're only to happy to stay in the pyramid, even if they are the ones at the very foot of it.
I agree 100% about the united and visceral response thing.
No matter how much we like to take the piss out of Arsenal and they like to make Spursy jokes, at the end of the day its just part of the fun.
This would irreparably ruin the sport for everyone involved.
Same here, I also think if this super league becomes reality these clubs are shooting themselves in the foot. I honestly think that any closed of league will not become the money machine they think, even if it is the best players it will be boring when it is not competitive. Not much different from pre-season friendlies or some weird pre-season cup.
I can see many games not being played at home, but in North America or Asia and they will lose what makes the club be what it is today.
I think that it will be profitable at first but eventually the novelty will wear off and the broadcasting bubble will crash
I think it might be unprofitable from the beginning. No atmosphere and losing fans is more important then seeing the best meet every week. Whatever viewership they start with, it would slowly go down.
The fans are the club and without them it’s just pure entertainment with manufactured hype, the WWE of football. Would not be surprised if we started to see cheerleaders or other crappy entertainment together with the games. Maybe a celebrity kick-off. Yuck.
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Me too. Truth is I won’t be able to afford it lol.
I'm going to support Richmond FC. Lasso is a coach I have my eye on! 😜
30 years supporting, and right now this is the worst I've felt as a fan.
i’d go to leicester (ironically). i’ve always had a soft spot for them, except for that one season
Same. Fuck this idea.....bank rolled from America (JP Morgan), the country that gives zero fucks to sports clubs being pillars of the community by franchising their sports teams and moving them all round the country chasing more dollars. Not surprising is it. Money and blood sucking leeches the lot of them....
I was born in Southampton but Spurs have been my family’s teams for generations having been a Tottenham born family until I came along. We moved to New Zealand when I was 5 and since I was 9 I’ve not missed many games.
I’ve pondered supporting Southampton today with this news, but really it’s not the same. I’ll never feel as connected with the club as I do with Spurs now.
Sadly, there's a massive bunch of international people who will 'support' spurs just to be part of something. Plastics everywhere these days.
Oi, I'm an international fan of spurs. Have been for a decade. Sure, not all of us can come to London and watch the game at the stadium but we have the same passion u do. Don't label all international fans as 'plastic'. If spurs go with this, or any team for that matter, they will lose majority of their fans.
I don't know if English is your second language so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt but where in my post did I label ALL international fans as plastic?
To be fair, I read your comment as though you were talking about all international fans
If u did not imply it then my bad sorry. Although it felt like it was implied with ur last two sentence. Sorry if I misunderstood.
How many of them will reliably watch games at the same rate as season ticket holders or long time fans?
Most of the “plastic” fans don’t watch games regularly, and I think there is a good chance the profitable part of the fan base will deteriorate over time.
I mean.... Why should Uefa keep cuts of money instead of the clubs and their supporters?
Everyone is siding with UEFA, and as an American, I don't understand why. I've always seen UEFA and FIFA as terribly corrupt. What do they bring to the table that the clubs themselves can't do?
UEFA is corrupt but the solution isn’t to create a closed shop structure, it’s to reform UEFA.
That’s akin to saying that because our democracy is flawed we should become a dictatorship
Uefa cannot be reformed, it's too lucrative for the haves for them to ever give up the power they have.
Absolutely disgusted with us being a part of this. Massive respect to the Ligue 1 and Bundesliga clubs that didn't sign up to this shit
Let’s not pretend Bayern and PSG won’t join if this actually goes through and is successful. They’re just letting the other 12 clubs be the villains and test the waters first.
Doesn't matter what they might or might not do eventually, for now what matters is who already signed up to it.
PSG probably will but unlikely that Bayern will be able to with the 50+1 rule surely?
As far as I know, Bayern and Dortmund refused to join nor because of that, but because it’s “wrong.” So who knows. I definitely think they’d join eventually, though, there’s too much money involved for them not to.
We have a very extreme opinion on the current development in football here in Germany, hence why RBL is so immensely hated. I think Bayern and Dortmund both know that they would lose a huge amount of their followers if they joined in on this
PSG won’t, purely because Qatar are linked to UEFA
Yeah apparently the other three members will be Bayern, Leipzig and Porto. Here.
Kinda odd that the only leagues not joining just about have a designated winner before the season even starts
Dortmund refused as well tho
Ah, never came across that. Still though, what sense would it make if Bayern declined and for Dortmund to join ? Not only are they the lessor of the two clubs, financially speaking (by a large margin), but they are kind of tied to one another in a lot of ways
good lads, the THST
God save em
Sweet innocent soul
Broken clocks are right twice a day, etc
Explain.
I believe they have noble intentions and their hearts in the right place... but essentially it's one group of fans from one pub who've designated themselves as the voice of all fans and have somehow ended up with a seat on the 'board', meetings with the club, etc. not necessarily a bad thing - but they are 1 very small clique who's opinion has ended up mattering more.
This, bunch of self-important anoraks. The club placate them because they are annoying.
Ahhh yes - a load of downvotes from a load of LARPing non game goers.
They all loved Mourinho on here in March ffs.
Feeling so down, I come from a country thousands of miles away from England. I can confidently say that I watch at least 200+ EPL matches a single season since 2009. Started supporting Spurs when their fighting spirit and exciting game play amazed me as Berbatov and Keane were playing together. Been through so many highs and lows with them. My sister lives in London now - never a day goes by when I don't wish I can visit there. I celebrated Leicester's win even after being devastated with that Chelsea draw from being 2-0 up. To me, Leicester winning EPL is a historical event that will be analyzed even after 200 years, such was the magnitude of their achievement. I also firmly believe the real battle of EPL lies in relegation. The real EPL fans in my friend circle have passed hours and hours discussing just relegation teams. Look at Scott Parker today after conceding that last minute goal. Is there a more human reaction possible in this fake world? And now, big teams including mine have agreed to take all of this away from me. I really really believe all of the 5 teams should be deducted points and reprimanded seriously.
This was beautifully said, and I believe we all agree with you
We should be lucky the PL probably don’t have the balls to hand out points deductions or something for teams even contemplating the idea of joining.
The athletic have just put out a piece saying PL club that joins this will be banned from the league.
Then we better hope Levy pulls us out.
He won’t. Better prepare for us to become the Burnley of the super league. What a wonderful future.
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The alternative is to cease to be a top flight club.
I literally will stop watching. Tottenham ends in 2021, and with this fucking season as well
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Paul O’keefe a source really close to the club said Levy is interested in being one of the founders of the super league... we are all in
What a bizarre season that would be. Everton, Wolves, Wet Spam, Villa and Leicester battling for the title & CL Spots would be box office.
Honestly it would be more fun the current state of the premier league, where the same 2 or 3 teams basically win every single year.
In a world where no epl teams can drop 80 million on a single player it would be a lot like the old first division.
There’s no way they’ll do that, come on now. I mean it’s great that they’ve decided to speak against it (it’s the least they could really) but there’s zero chance they’ll be willing to lose as much money as they would if they ban the biggest clubs in the league from competing. It’s just not going to happen.
Don’t shoot the messenger mate, just stating what I read.
Oh, I know. But yeah, I don’t believe they’d actually go through with banning anyone. No way they ban their darlings Manchester United and Liverpool from competing lol.
On what basis do they get banned? I'm struggling to understand this.
Surely all clubs can just decline to compete in Uefa competitions, which frees up game time to play in the Super league in between league games? I would assume if anyone tries to sanction these clubs for not wanting to compete in Uefa competitions the clubs will just bring a claim against their domestic leagues at the CAS. How can they legally prevent this?
I'd happily take it. ESL is disgusting. Not even the illusion of fairness with promotion and relegation. I find the CL and EL boring, so there is an option, but not this. Not even close. It's gross.
Domestic football should be number 1.
This is just abominable money chasing.
I would quite literally rather Tottenham be relegated then have the European Super League be a thing.
You can get through hard times, you can’t get through selling the soul of the club.
Might be a bridge too far for me. After this season with mou, razing the lane etc etc club I fell in love with feeling more and more like brand taking advantage
something so odd about this club since 2018 and I don’t know what it is. I haven’t been so disconnected from a team I love till now.
You do know what it is. It's what it has always been: ENIC.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the new stadium, but there’s just something so special about the old White Hart Lane. I really wish I could’ve gone when it were still there
It was an amazing place, but heaven knows it was knackered at the end - there's only so much patchwork and plastering you can get away with when the hallways aren't wide enough and there's not enough toilets, just to name two issues.
Get up into the stands, of course, and none of that matters... But it's nice to have them and the atmosphere!
We'd be the shittest team in it, effectively turning us into the Italy of the Six Nations. We'd get humped week in week out. Not a great matchday experience....
Why? Seems like this would close the gap between us and these other clubs financially. At which point, our facilities and London become a much more attractive place to play.
(I of course hate this proposal and that we’re a part of it.)
And this is the quandary. Do you carry on desperately trying to qualify for the Champions League for 50m, or just sign up to this and get 300m with no qualification, especially with your direct competition looking to sign up..... You at least have to look into it to avoid being left behind.
I agree though, I don't like it either, but it does put the owners in a tough situation.
Disgusted with our association of this, although expect nothing less from Levy & Co given this is all money driven!
Breakaway leagues like this just feel so anti football and more pro Hollywood, we might as well just start having All star teams in our leagues ffs!
Hilarious how I said Levy cares more about cash than football the other day and someone replied “terrible take” now look at this
People will defend Levy no matter what, it’s pretty weird.
I'm somewhat of a Levy defender. He's made plenty of mistakes and frustrated me beyond what he should have done sometimes, but I absolutely understand he puts the club first whether it appears as such or not.
Same thing with this ESL, no one wants it, but for the future of the club and the potential money it can make, I would understand it even though I would dislike it. We've spent an absolute fortune on a new ground, then the pandemic happens. We've lost money like no tomorrow and we are one of the most indebted clubs in the league. Playing in the ESL is probably in the long term going to be far better financially for the club than not doing because of the pedigree of the clubs we would be facing on a regular basis. For Levy, its probably super attractive just because of the financial mess we are in and this will help reduce the stress and pressure on the club.
Like I say, I'm against it, but I would understand Levy if he did put us in it. I don't defend Levy for defending sake, I just take a step back and think things through and see his point as well as mine and the other supporters points.
For Levy, its probably super attractive just because of the financial mess we are in and this will help reduce the stress and pressure on the club.
I imagine it would also make the club more appealing to potential buyers. People wanted ENIC out, right? Wanted us to spend as much money as Chelsea? There you go. Have fun with the sheikhs.
Exactly, it's great for a potential buyer. ENIC seem to want to sell, well here you go, fixtures against Barcelona, Real Madrid, etc. Each season, that'll do you right?
People want ENIC out, but for all the things they've done wrong, they've done a great deal right too. Brand new stadium, new training facilities, we are a more European club than we have been in most of our history. We've grown organically with ENIC, and I'm proud of that.
I had the same thing in the post about it being his 20 year anniversary this year. People still lap up everything he does as if we benefit from the huge profits whilst paying some of the highest prices in the country.
Absolutely totally against us joining this. Its a pure money spin to line their pockets at the expense of the fans. These owners have no love for the sport. If levy has any class he'll pull out of this tonight
Ban any club participating from domestic football, ban their players from representing the national teams.
You know this is Levy seeing the payout for everything he's done since he started. He "earned" this and will absolutely take this opportunity, especially if the others do. He will spin it as securing the clubs finances for the next several decades.
ENIC will be selling us a year into this to American owners. That will be Levys payday.
As expected from Levy. Anything for money. Disgusting little fucker.
300 million to join the competition and a bumper television rights deal. Good Luck convincing these clubs that this isn't a right step
tv rights won't be worth a thing if it's the same standard we've seen this season in the big games. can have all the money in the world connected but if you're broadcasting man united 0-0 man city every week in half empty stadiums cos no one can afford to go, the worth of the competition will drastically decrease because it'll be fucking boring.
there's no way this doesn't fall on its arse and i'd rather us not be made an example of
If it tapers off, it's gonna happen in a few years. I don't like this either but Perez isn't an idiot. TV deals are probably already be in place. Every club knows what they are getting into. This works because they have seen it work in America.
I've had my season ticket for 15 years. I've even renewed for next season.
Levy can keep it if this does go through. Genuinely disappointed with the club in this, and it's been a weird slipping feeling with them over the last few years. This is just the cherry.
I wonder if Leyton orient would welcome a new season ticket holder
If this goes through I will absolutely stop supporting the club. This is absolutely vile and despicable. I cannot imagine watching this farce of a league let alone feeling any joy or emotion.
I don't think new uefa format benfits us neither. They are revamping format to make more money by sacrificing players. You guys are saying clubs are greedy fucks but uefa is on next level of greed. Teams will have to play league, league cup, international events and 2x more CL matches.
Premier League is greedy as shit as well. The format of this season has been a joke... Playing every 2-3 days for a large portion of it after zero pre season shows they care not for the health and benefit of the players or clubs and just wanted Sky, Amazon and BTs money.
Errr... you are aware theres a global pandemic going on, right?
Yeah so they could have foregone cup competition or shortened the season or organised it way better to protect the players look at some squads injury list.
Well, to be honest both proposals are equally shit. Why would you change something, if it works?
Most of these plans are just for the owners to get more percentage of the money. Imo uefa is still scummy, even though this is a bad bad plan
oh uefa's changes are also daft, but at least it's less obviously motivated by greed
It's just motivated by a different person's greed...
not to nearly the same extent though. the CL reforms are silly but let's not pretend there's any incentive for the chairmen of the super league to do this other than pulling the ladder up. very telling that agnelli is pushing this the most after his team has lost against three "unworthy" teams in recent years (and lost again today to another).
we would've been excluded from this a decade ago: we should be excluding ourselves from it now.
Juve have gone from illegally fixing leagues to trying a legal method. Clowns
It is purely motivated by UEFAs greed
And we said pass the red nose
It's because of MONEY. UEFA will get a shit-ton of tv rights if the top clubs play each other every week
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How "special" will any of these big European ties be when they're played every single year in league format, anyway? It'll be fucking boring. Ooh Barcelona v Juventus. The one we saw last year.
These kinds of fixtures are only "glamorous" in the CL because they're unique and don't happen often. Us playing Real 4 times over a couple of years and then Barca twice were literally generational events for the likes of me as a Spurs fan.
And most importantly, we earned the right to have a go at them.
They don't care. They'll go where the money is
“We must always consider our supporters, for without them there would be no professional football. It would be better to have more fans watching football the way they like it played, rather than have a few fans watching football the way we would like it played.” —Bill Nicholson
There’s a Nicholson quote for anything. What a man.
Damn I wish this man was still in charge of this club
Money talks. -
and if the fans stand up against it, their voice will be louder.
But not their bank accounts