Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt says the apologies from Super League clubs fall on deaf ears – as clubs retracted their intentions of joining a Super League.
On Sunday afternoon, outrage ensued after the news that the 12 major European clubs had signed up to form a standalone Super League. By Tuesday evening, those plans were swatted aside, as fans and players joined together to share their disapproval.
Clubs rushed to get apology statements out to fans. Liverpool owner John W. Henry even sent out a video personal apology video.
John W Henry's message to Liverpool supporters. pic.twitter.com/pHW3RbOcKu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 21, 2021
Butt not impressed
Speaking with Sky Sports News at a charity event, Butt labelled the 12 clubs involved in a breakaway Super League as "bullies".
Nicky Butt: "What happened should never have happened. What happened is the worse case of bullying in my opinion, from powerful people. Whether they apologise or not is irrelevant to me." [@footballdaily] pic.twitter.com/H2TPOuSAqx
— utdreport (@utdreport) April 21, 2021
“I don’t think apologies are too great anyway, in my opinion. I think what happened should never have happened," says Butt.
“What happened is the worst case of bullying, in my opinion, from powerful people. So I don’t think whether they apologise or not is relevant really," says Butt.
When asked how long clubs could expect their fans to stay angry at them, Butt seemed less than optimistic.
"[It will take] a hell of a long time. I don’t see how it’s possible really, to gain someone’s trust, going behind people’s back for so long. It’s going to be a very difficult thing. I don’t know how they will do it. That’s something that they have got to work out." Butt concluded.
Butt played 400 times for Manchester United, Newcastle United and a loan spell with Birmingham. He also had been a first-team coach with Man United until late last March – however, Butt left his role in late March.
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