The proposal of the European Super League sparked a violent backlash among supporters
Liverpool owner John W. Henry has apologized to fans of the club for the “disruption” caused by the proposed European Super League (ESL).
Henry took sole responsibility for the “unnecessary negativity” and said, “In this endeavor I have let you down.”
The Reds and five other Premier League teams backed up from the ESL on Tuesday evening after an angry backlash.
“The proposed project would never last without the support of the fans,” said American Henry.
“In those 48 hours it was very clear to you that you couldn’t stand it. We heard you. I heard you.”
Before Liverpool’s statement confirmed the club’s withdrawal, captain Jordan Henderson had said on social media that his team’s “collective position” was that they did not want the runaway to continue.
“We don’t like it and we don’t want it to happen,” read a message posted by many other Liverpool players as well.
Reds manager Jürgen Klopp and midfielder James Milner also spoke out against the plans after their Premier League game in Leeds on Monday.
The other five Premier League clubs involved – Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham – have also withdrawn from the league, while Italian club Inter Milan stand ready to follow suit.
In one Liverpool video released, Henry also apologized to Klopp, player and managing director Billy Hogan, and promised to do everything possible to regain fan trust.
“You have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption,” added Henry. “You were the most upset, and wrongly. That hurts the most. You love your club and work to make you proud every day.”
“I’m sorry again and I am solely responsible for the unnecessary negativity that has been created in the last few days. I will not forget that. And shows the power that the fans have today and rightly will continue to have.”
