Dunlavy column: Premier League embarrassed themselves with graceless statement to Accrington chairman

By Chris Dunlavy

SHAME on the Premier League – and the soulless cretin who penned a hectoring, bullying retort to frustrated Accrington chairman Andy Holt.

Angry at the millions blown on agents fees in the top flight while his own club exists on the breadline, Holt described EFL clubs as “starving peasants” begging for Premier League scraps.

The response was a disgrace. “We will be writing to Mr Holt to ask him if he wishes the Premier League to continue the support we currently provide for his and other clubs in the EFL,” said a statement.

Pathetic. Mean-spirited. Unprofessional. Like Donald Trump, the Premier League prefers to trumpet only its self-made success, not how it grew rich by trampling on others. Dare to point out those uncomfortable truths and its ugly, oppressive nature emerges.

Yes, the Premier League funds EFL clubs. But it is delusional, if not disingenuous, to regard that cash as charity. The bulk of those funds are parachute payments. And parachute payments have one, cynical, purpose: to coerce Premier League clubs to spend like Johnny Depp at a vineyard. Relegation? Don’t worry about that, just go mental.

The rest is an attempt to restore the competitiveness their largesse destroyed, much like a drilling company cleaning up an oil spill.

Even the money diverted to grassroots is self-serving in the sense that Premier League academies are now a black hole for talent.

Above all, the PL loves to market itself as the “most competitive” league in the world. Without the EFL providing vibrant new members, it would be as competitive as a turkey shoot. They should do well to remember that.