Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham has reportedly spent Wednesday phoning Premier League chiefs to apologise for his club’s actions with regards to the failed European Super League.
The Gunners were one of six English clubs to sign up for the controversial scheme, but following a huge backlash from the footballing world they sensationally withdrew from the plans on Tuesday.
The 14 Premier League teams not involved are thought to still be furious with the secretive manner in which the so-called ‘big six’ went about dealing with the proposals, with some of them keen to see punishments handed down that could include points deductions and heavy fines.
(Image: REUTERS)
And according to The Telegraph Venkatesham has acted early to try to placate some of the anger that has been directed towards his club.
The publication claim he rang the executives of all 14 teams not involved in the European Super League to say sorry and ask for forgiveness.
The talks were described as largely ‘awkward’, but it is believed the sentiment was appreciated by the majority.
It comes after Arsenal were the first of the six teams to officially say sorry to their supporters for their actions.
In the statement they released on Tuesday evening announcing they would walk away from the Super League, the board wrote an open letter to fans.
It included the words: “It was never our intention to cause such distress, however when the invitation to join the Super League came, while knowing there were no guarantees, we did not want to be left behind to ensure we protected Arsenal and its future.
“As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League. We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.”
It is thought the Premier League will take their time before deciding how to deal with the rebellious clubs, who have seemingly lost all the power they thought they had.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, are preparing a protest against their owner Stan Kroenke ahead of their game against Everton on Friday, with the majority of them seemingly wanting the billionaire to sell up.
