Co-op MPs in Supporters Direct funding plea

A Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to ask the Premier League to reconsider its decision on funding Supporters Direct has currently attracted the support of 28 MPs.

A Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to ask the Premier League to reconsider its decision on funding Supporters Direct has currently attracted the support of 28 MPs.

Tabled by Labour/Co-op MPs Tom Greatrex and Cathy Jamieson, the motion urges the Government to live up to the Coalition Agreement’s pledge to encourage community ownership of football clubs.

Said Mr Greatrex: “The decision to withdraw funding makes a mockery of the Government’s commitment to greater ownership of football clubs by local communities. 

“Coming in the same week as it was announced the total annual wage bill for the Premier League amounts to £1.4 billion, this decision is indicative of the disdain in which it holds the very supporters without whom football would not be able to exist.”

Ms Jamieson added: “Supporters Direct and the Premier League should get around the table and ensure that fans get the representation they deserve. Supporters Direct is needed now more than ever.”

The motion’s signatories include Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, five Liberal Democrat MPs and former SDLP leader Mark Durkan.

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