Amid European Super League Controversy, Kevin Pietersen Trolls Manchester United

Twelve of Europe’s biggest football clubs on Monday said they planned to launch a breakaway Super League, leading to confusion, furore and of course, controversy. UEFA said clubs taking part in the competition will be banned, and players barred from representing their countries. Spain’s La Liga called the proposal “selfish” and “egotistical”. However, amid the brouhaha, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen used the opportunity to troll Manchester United, who are among six teams from England who are set to be the founding members of the proposed Super League.

Pietersen, who supports Chelsea, took to Twitter to take a dig at his rival club.

“How on this planet is Man Utd in the SL anyway…?!” he tweeted, adding a puking emoji as insult to injury.

How on this planet is Man Utd in the SL anyway…?!

– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) April 19, 2021

Pietersen had earlier asked for clarification on the proposed league.

“If the SL is played during the week and doesn’t interfere with domestic league schedules, what’s the issue?” he had written in a previous tweet.

If the SL is played during the week and doesn’t interfere with domestic league schedules, what’s the issue?

Serious question? Would like to understand please?

– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) April 19, 2021

“AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined as founding clubs,” said a statement about the foundation of the Super League.

“Three additional clubs will be invited to join them before the start of the inaugural season which will start as soon as practicable,” added the organisers.

UEFA said earlier Sunday that players from the 12 clubs faced international exile and described it as “a cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs”.

However, the 12 insisted the new competition will benefit the game in general.

“By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid,” said Joel Glazer, co-chairman of Manchester United and vice-chairman of the Super League.

Promoted

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid and the chairman of the Super League, also insisted that the game as a whole will benefit.

(With inputs from AFP)