Steve Bruce reacts to European Super League 'slap' for Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League's 'big six'

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were this week forced to withdraw from the proposed breakaway league after a public and political outcry.

Newcastle United, along the other 13 Premier League clubs not involved in the multi-billion pound project, objected to the proposal, which was to be bankrolled by an American investment bank.

“I think I was like everybody else,” said head coach Steve Bruce “Thankfully the big six have took a slap. It’s been quite remarkable. I’ve never seen it so quick, the outcry.

"It was pretty obvious to everybody concerned that we ain’t gonna accept it. I’m a little bit biased as I played in the lower divisions before I got a break. I’m all for the pyramid. Do we spread enough around the smaller clubs? I’m not sure we do. The supporters have been heard, and rightly so.”

Bruce, wary of another attempt at a breakaway, wants the Premier League to be “protected”.

“We’ve got to guard against it,” said Bruce, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Liverpool at Anfield. “This thing must’ve been rumbling on for years.

“The Premier League is proven as the best league in the world. We’ve got the best players here. It’s important we protect that, and keep on growing. Year in year out around the world, it’s growing because of the spectacle.

"I think there’s only two of them (the breakaway clubs) in the top six at the minute, that’s how difficult it is.

“I hope they’ve learnt from their mistake. We’ve got to protect the Premier League, and guard against it. This thing must’ve been rumbling on for years.”

There were no German clubs involved in the ESL project due to the fan ownership structure there.

Newcastle fans hope to raise at least £3million to buy a stake in the club when it’s sold by owner Mike Ashley.

Asked about fan ownership, Bruce said: “We’ve seen the value of it in Germany. There it’s been a big benefit. I’m all for it. It’ll be interesting to see how it develops. Is the Premier League ready for it? Who knows?”

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