I have wanted to write this for a few weeks but put it on hold
while the two Manchester clubs were still involved in the Europa League and
also just in case (sounds crazy now) we got knocked out of the Champions’
League by Napoli.
Why? I didn’t want to be accused of sour grapes when making what I
think is an important point.
The Europa League is an unfair idea. It goes against all the
principles of fair competition, in other words the principles of sport.
To me, the whole idea of the teams that finish third in their
groups in the Champions’ League then getting a free run at another trophy is
wrong. It is unfair on those teams contesting the Europa League from its group
stages but worse it gives a team that has by definition failed, the opportunity
to win a European trophy while the team that knocked them out can end the
season empty handed.
Imagine Manchester City had gone on to win the Europa League.
Which team finished above them in the Champions’ League, thus knocking them
out? Napoli. Manchester City could have picked up European silverware while
Napoli did not.
Is that right? I don’t think so.
KTBFFH
