Tuesday evening UK news briefing: PM opposes 'cartel' created by European Super League

Chris Price
·6 min read
Your evening briefing from The Telegraph
Your evening briefing from The Telegraph
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Boris Johnson said the European Super League would "create a cartel that stops clubs competing against each other properly" adding the Government wants to help "thwart" the proposal.

The Prime Minister told the owners of the six English clubs looking to make the breakaway competition that he does not think it is right that the teams should be "dislocated from their hometowns" and "turned into international brands and commodities", warning at a meeting earlier that he is prepared to "drop a legislative bomb" to prevent it.

It comes as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola voiced his criticism, saying: "It is not a sport when success is guaranteed or it doesn't matter when you lose."

Arsenal fan groups followed Liverpool in demanding their banners and flags be removed from their home stadium.

The 20 Premier League captains are due to discuss issuing a joint statement in opposition to the breakaway league.

Yet the Telegraph has been told the European Super League clubs face being sued for billions of pounds if they pull out of the competition.

The question on every fan's lips is whether the competition can be stopped.

Tom Morgan explores the six most likely scenarios in the weeks ahead.

Sky pundit Gary Neville has become an unlikely people's champion for his articulation of what appears to be every football fan's views, with Oliver Brown saying Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been used as a human shield for Liverpool's cowardly owners.

Relive the 25 defining moments that would not have happened in a European Super League.

Meanwhile, Ross Clark says the competition has shown the hypocrisy of the football elite - but not in the way we expected.

Covid tablets may be available to take home by autumn

Tablets that can be taken at home to treat Covid-19 could be available as early as the autumn thanks to a new government drive to improve treatments. The aim is for at least two effective treatments for Covid to be developed by the end of the year which could be taken either in a tablet or capsule form. Boris Johnson today announced a new "anti-virals taskforce" to search for the most promising new medicines to help the nation "live with Covid" in the future as scientists predict a third wave this summer. Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith has the details.

Australia scraps 'cringeworthy' sexual consent videos

Australia's scandal-hit government has scrapped two "cringeworthy" sex education videos for schools after they were criticised for using "confusing" scenarios involving milkshakes and sharks to teach about sexual consent. The videos were launched as part of the government's AUS $7.8 million Respect Matters program, which comes in the wake of major protests over women's rights and a number of sexual assault cases in Parliament. But the program has sparked a significant backlash for its crude and confusing messaging. Watch one of the videos here.

At a glance: Coronavirus evening briefing

Also in the news: Today's other headlines

'Betrayal' of Troubles troops | Johnny Mercer, the Veterans' Minister, is on the brink of resigning from Government over its failure to prevent ex-soldiers being dragged through the courts for alleged crimes committed in Northern Ireland. Mr Mercer is understood to have informed the Prime Minister of his decision to quit. Read on for details.

Around the world: Jury deliberate in Floyd trial

A California congresswoman's comments about Derek Chauvin's murder trial could have given the former officer grounds for an appeal, the judge in the case said. Judge Peter Cahill called Maxine Waters's comments "abhorrent" as he exhorted elected officials to stop disrespecting "the rule of law". The jury has retired for its deliberations over the death of George Floyd. Find the verdict when it happens here. Read how the charges against Chauvin hold the key to unrest on the streets of America.

Tuesday interview

'Of course I want to win an Oscar: I've lost 11 times'

Diane Warren has won almost all the awards going – except one - Nick Spanos
Diane Warren has won almost all the awards going – except one - Nick Spanos

American songwriter Diane Warren tells Neil McCormick that she would be happy to end her record losing streak on Sunday

Read the full interview

Comment and analysis

Editor's choice: Features and arts

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  3. Great-value convertibles | Five great convertible bargains for under £5,000

Business and money briefing

Petrol costs | The competition watchdog has warned that the £6.8bn takeover of Asda by the billionaire Issa brothers "could lead to higher prices for motorists" in some areas. Read on for details.

Sport briefing

Lions tour | Jack Nowell has been backed to make Warren Gatland's squad for this summer's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa following his comeback from injury. Here is a reminder of match dates.

Three things for tonight

And finally... for this evening's downtime

'Practice walking in heels again' | Michael Kors has delivered a stark message: "I don't want to spend the rest of my life in slippers and track pants." The designer has revisited some of his favourite looks from the past in his 40th anniversary collection.

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