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The Super League Riots - It’s Just A Football Club…

Like it or not, modern football clubs are a business. In order for them to stay afloat and keep fans happy, money needs to be generated and is mainly why the Premier League remains the place to play for many of the worlds top footballers. Although it was met with a lot of heated opposition, the introduction of the Super League was just an extension of this - another way for big clubs to make big money. To many’s relief the plans were overturned and at this point the Super League lays in tatters. However, this act of so called ‘greed’ from team owners has opened them up to a world of abuse from their very own fans, the worst of which occurring between Manchester United fans and the Glazer family. Now, no matter how angry these fans may be, it is not excuse to cause more harm than good. 

I realise I may have angered a few people just through the title of this very article, as for many, it isn’t ’just a football club’. However, the attacks that occurred between Manchester United fans and police during the Super League riots were totally pointless. I understand people are angry. I understand that people want a change in ownership. But do you seriously think for a single second that the Glazer family paid even the slightest piece of attention to some local idiots smashing up cars and local businesses in the city centre? Even if they were replaced, would you expected the next billionaire owner to be any different? Of course not! Football fans must realise that long before the Super League even came around, the sport that was once built by the poor has been sold to the rich - and they are NEVER giving it back. The average annual profit for ‘Big Six’ Premier League sides is anywhere between £40-£80 million depending on how much team owners invest. You think they’re going to give that up just because a few thousand fans disagree? How are they going to pay for the pool boy or afford their next Miami Beach house? 

In all seriousness though, the Super League is just the first in many changes to come to football as we know it, and as much as fans may want it to, it isn’t going change through violence and destruction. At this point, it’s all about damage limitation. What can the regular fan do to stop world football from becoming a billionaire boys club? The sad truth is that football has already fallen, so the only way to really make change is for football fans to hit the owners where it really hurts - in the wallet. The boycotting of games, refusal to buy season tickets, and even convincing sponsors to end contracts will substantially reduce the net profits that team owners pull in from their teams - watch them listen to you then! 

Manchester Super League Riots - skysports.com

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