Burnley captain explains how Jordan Henderson rallied to Super League – Liverpool FC
Burnley defender Ben Mee has explained how Jordan Henderson has helped the Premier League captains ‘put aside rivalries’ and unite to take on the Super League.
“You know things are serious when Jordan Henderson sends a message to the WhatsApp group of Premier League captains,” Mee explained in a column for the Guardian.
The Liverpool No.14 has led the charge against the ‘Big Six’ proposals to part ways as a Champions League alternative, with plans collapsing on Tuesday.
And Mee explained her own position on the Super League and the motivations of Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal and Tottenham by agreeing to join her.
“My first reaction was disbelief,” Burnley captain said.
“Those who invented the concept and those who bought into it don’t understand what football means to people.
“The clubs involved hid behind the pandemic and claimed it would bring stability to the sport, which I couldn’t believe. Fans and players alike saw it very quickly.
James Milner was the first Liverpool player to voice his criticism, while Henderson brought the captains together, just as he did to support the NHS at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We all shared our similar views on the issue there, and it goes without saying that they weren’t positive,” Mee continued.
He later added: “The captains are ready to put the rivalries aside and talk to each other, which I don’t think would have happened until last year.
“We like to think we’ve had a positive impact with this and our fundraising for the NHS, and we hope we can continue to do so on a wide range of topics for the best of the game and for society.”
And while Henderson gave his support to Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group following their Super League withdrawal, Mee gave an appropriate assessment.
“Footballers play for supporters, not for people in conference rooms,” he insisted.
“No one scores a goal or makes a tackle of last resort to earn the owners praise. They do this for the feeling they get when the crowd roars.
“The feeling of elation when we win is the same as when we were kids, something that those who know little about football cannot relate to.
“Football is all about competition and fun – that’s why we love football. Without it, it’s just business.
It’s an honor for Henderson to be seen as the leader among the 20 appointed Premier League captains, and as Mee points out, the hope is that this is just the start.
Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has already opposed reform of the UEFA Champions League, and players increasingly appear to be using their power to improve the game.
