Football Governance Bill
Spirit of Shankly have written to each of the 14 Merseyside MPs, bringing to their attention the recent focus on, and our objection to, playing a Premier League game overseas. We also asked that they support the Football Governance Bill and attend the discussion in parliament on Tuesday 3 September. This is a copy of the letter
Dear [Name of MP]
As we look forward to the first game of the new season at Anfield, on Sunday 25 August, the usual excitement is tinged with concern that our matchgoing traditions and heritage are being further eroded.
This was brought into focus pre-season with comments from the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who, seemingly in favour of a Premier League game being played overseas, said: “I think that’s the way it’s going. We’ve got seven Premier League clubs in London but when you look at the way the Premier League works, a lot of the revenue they receive is TV rights. Liverpool, the team I support, are currently on tour in America. I think the point the Premier League and some of the owners would make is, why can’t their fans in those countries benefit from a competitive game?”
Football clubs throughout the country are rooted in their communities with rituals and a culture passed on through generations. Matchdays are vital for the area, for the local businesses and infrastructure. This idea threatens the soul of our national game.
It is also in direct opposition to the Football Governance Bill. Reintroduced by the Labour government, one of its primary objectives is the safeguarding of the ‘traditional features of English football that matter most to the fans and local communities of clubs’.
What can matter more than where the game is played? Fans already pay the price of the modern game, their loyalty taken for granted with rising costs – Spirit of Shankly are at the forefront of a campaign for fairer pricing – and contempt by the authorities and TV companies with rescheduled dates and kick-off times. Playing a match overseas shows zero respect for supporters or the competition.
We ask that you stand up for fans in your constituency and reject the Mayor’s view. We also ask that you support the Football Governance Bill to ensure the great traditions of our game are maintained and not lost to greed.
This bill is to be discussed in parliament on 3 September, see attached. Please find the time to attend and stand up for the protection of our football clubs and the role they play in our communities.
Yours sincerely, on behalf of Spirit of Shankly,
MPs we contacted
Dan Carden MP: Liverpool Walton
Kim Johnson MP: Liverpool Riverside
Ian Byrne MP: Liverpool West Derby
Paula Barker MP: Liverpool Wavertree
Maria Eagle MP: Liverpool Garston
Angela Eagle MP: Wallasey
Alison McGovern MP: Birkenhead
Matthew Patrick MP: Wirral West
Patrick Hurley MP: Southport
Anneliese Midgley MP: Knowsley
Bill Esterson MP: Sefton Central
Peter Dowd MP: Bootle
Marie Rimmer MP: St Helens South and Whiston
David Baines MP: St Helens North
