Arsenal have released a statement confirming that they will leave the European Super League.
The Gunners announced that they would be joining the new competition which would effectively have replaced the Champions League and Europa League in its current format on Sunday evening.
However, after an immense backlash from fans, pundits, UEFA, FIFA, government and players – including vice-captain Hector Bellerin – the club have taken a dramatic U-turn just 48 hours later after it was confirmed earlier on Tuesday evening that fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City would be pulling out of the new tournament.
In a tweet from the club’s official account, Arsenal apologised to their supporters and accepted blame for taking the decision which they now admit was wrong.
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“As a result of listening to you and the wider football community over recent days we are withdrawing from the proposed Super League,” the post read.
“We made a mistake, and we apologise for it.”
The Gunners are the only Premier League team who have pulled out to have apologised with Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City all failing to do so and Chelsea yet to release any comment at time of writing.
The tweet was issued linking to a statement from the Arsenal board which reinforced the message that the club felt that they had made a mistake and asked for forgiveness from the supporters.
“The last few days have shown us yet again the depth of feeling our supporters around the world have for this great club and the game we love,” it read.
“We needed no reminding of this but the response from supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought.
“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.
“We know it will take time to restore your faith in what we are trying to achieve here at Arsenal but let us be clear that the decision to be part of the Super League was driven by our desire to protect Arsenal, the club you love, and to support the game you love through greater solidarity and financial stability.
“Stability is essential for the game to prosper and we will continue to strive to bring the security the game needs to move forward.
“The system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the game and harness the extraordinary power football has to get us on the edge of our seats.
“Finally, we know this has been hugely unsettling at the end of what has been an incredibly difficult year for us all.
“Our aim is always to make the right decisions for this great football club, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. We didn’t make the right decision here, which we fully accept.
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“We have heard you.
“The Arsenal Board”
Arsenal are set to hold a press conference on Thursday morning where manager Mikel Arteta will likely address the issue.