MEP backs Blades' bid for justice

Yorkshire and Humber MEP Richard Corbett has lent his support to Sheffield United's fairness campaign following their controversial relegation from the Premier League.

Richard said: “West Ham United avoided relegation because they lied to the Premier League about the deal between themselves and representatives of Carlos Tevez's in order to sign the player. West Ham's punishment, in taking the form of a fine, just goes to show how much the Premier League is geared up to favour the richer clubs.

"Monetary fines will always punish poorer clubs more than richer clubs, after all, £5.5 million is pennies to West Ham's owner, but other clubs may have struggled to find that kind of money. A points deduction for breaches of agreed upon rules would have ensured a fair punishment whoever had committed the crime.”

Richard added: “Sheffield United have quite simply not been treated fairly, presumably because they are not a fashionable club from the capital, and I fully support their quest for justice.” /ends

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• Richard sat on last year's Independent Review of European Football which warned  European football was in poor health due to the dominance of wealthy clubs.

• Richard is a member of the European Parliament's Friends of Football intergroup

more information

Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP

• phone 0113 245 8987
• e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk