'They run away!' - Chelsea and Man Utd owners criticised for 'starting fights' in scathing assessment as Super League debate deepens

Simon Jordan has criticised US ownership in English football, particularly targeting Chelsea's Todd Boehly and Manchester United's Glazer family. He accused them of hypocrisy and a lack of understanding of the game's traditions, stemming from their involvement in the failed European Super League. Jordan also suggested some American owners have a 'drunken' approach to financial sustainability and criticised them for 'sniveling away' from the confrontation that followed the Super League debacle.

The debate surrounding US investment in the Premier League is intensifying, with a growing number of clubs under American ownership or with significant investment. Gary Neville has previously voiced concerns about the potential impact on the pyramid structure and the unique fabric of English football. The failure of the European Super League, spearheaded by several US-owned clubs, further fuelled concerns about their commitment to the traditional values of the game.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: "Don't forget all these American owners like the Glazers, like Stan Kroenke and Bruce Buck who's involved, as I say, ran sniveling away from the confrontation that came with the European Super League.

"They start a fight and then they run away before the first punch is thrown.

"I think I used an example there of accusing Todd Bowley of being like a drunken American serviceman on leave because he's not balancing the books and doing it economically viably.

"US investment into English football is a clear and present danger to the pyramid and the fabric of the game. They just don't get it and think differently. They also don't stop until they get what they want."

Chelsea will continue their efforts to rebuild under Enzo Maresca, with Boehly under pressure to demonstrate financial responsibility and deliver on-field success. The Glazers still have influence at Old Trafford but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken a significant stake following his investment last year. He has been criticised in recent months as fans hit out at United's cost-cutting measures.