AN overwhelming majority of Echo readers oppose the controversial new European Super League, according to an online poll.

A total of 98 per cent of readers who responded to the Echo’s joint online poll with our sister title the Colchester Daily Gazette voted against the Super League plans.

English football’s big six – Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur - have agreed to join the new breakaway league (ESL), along with six other clubs from Spain and Italy. It is a move that could have huge ramifications for the sport all over Europe, from elite competition to grassroots football.

Justin Macal, Southend United season ticket holder of more than 30 years, has slammed proposals - fearing the move will “take the value away from football”.

The 50-year-old, from Benfleet, said: “I think this is honestly a terrible idea and it’s really not something I’m willing to get behind. It really is awful, more so for people like me who support a lower league club. I’ve supported Southend United for 32 years.

“It will have a massive impact and just takes the value away from football. I don’t support it one bit.”

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It’s hoped the Super League would help alleviate lost revenue after the financial blow from the ongoing Covid pandemic.

But the midweek competition has attracted widespread condemnation, including from football’s governing bodies, fans’ trusts and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson has promised football fans he will do everything possible to give the “ludicrous” new league backed by the Premier League’s big six clubs a “straight red”.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said: “Greed greed greed and no regard for the fans. I think football fans are right to be outraged at the proposals.

"So, I will certainly be supporting, not the only the Prime Minister and the Culture Secretary, but anyone else who is prepared to oppose these plans.

"It is outrageous. We invented the game and now people who have absolutely no regard for the sport - other than greed - are trying to destroy it. We should not put up with it.”

Tory South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe also backed the move to help stop the plans going ahead.

He said: "As the Prime Minister has said, football is in our national DNA. We invented it, we helped export it around the world, and it has been a central part of British life for over a century. 

"I give my full backing to the football authorities as they consider a range of sanctions and measures to stop these plans going ahead. 

"We all want to see top quality football, but part of the excitement of competition is that there is not only an opportunity to triumph, but also the risk of failure where the underdog achieves glory beyond expectation.

"A league where the teams face no risk and remains static flies in the face of many a boyhood dream."

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris added: “There has been huge uproar across the footballing world since the announcement and I echo this anger and concern.

"Fans are the foundation of every football club up and down the country. Whether it be Concord Rangers and Canvey Island FC, or Chelsea and Manchester City, fans should always come first.

"I can see no justification for the changes and no positives that would come of it for English football. I am glad that the Government are against it and are looking at ways to stop it from happening.”

Echoing calls, James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, says clubs should not put money before their fans.

He said: "Football exists for fans, and fans are rightly furious about this breakaway league which is not good for our national game at all.

"Football clubs should not put money before their supporters and I absolutely join the Government, footballing bodies and fans in opposing these proposals.” 

Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, added: “I fully support the Prime Minister’s strong reservations about the so called Super League and so I welcome the Government’s review of the whole structure of football.

"Spiritually, these great clubs should belong to their loyal fans, not a handful of super rich oligarchs, none of whom are exactly short of a bob or two, as it is.”