Liverpool owner John Henry issues apology to supporters

Liverpool owner John Henry has apologised to Jurgen Klopp, his players and supporters for the 'disruption' caused by his decision to join the European Super League.

The Reds announced that they were to become a founding member of the breakaway European competition, but the enraged reaction and public outcry from fans, former players and pundits has seen nearly all of the 12 rebels back down.

And Liverpool owner Henry has now faced the music in the form of a recorded video, claiming 'full responsibility' for the decision, and stating that he and his partners 'heard' the fierce response to the ESL.

"I want to apologise to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused over the past 48 hours," he said.

"It goes without saying but should be said that the project put forward was never going to stand without the support of the fans. No-one ever thought differently in England. Over these 48 hours you were very clear that it would not stand. We heard you. I heard you.

"And I want to apologise to Jürgen, to Billy, to the players and to everyone who works so hard at LFC to make our fans proud. They have absolutely no responsibility for this disruption. They were the most disrupted and unfairly so. This is what hurts most. They love your club and work to make you proud every single day.

"I know the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help us move forward. More than a decade ago when we signed up for the challenges associated with football, we dreamed of what you dreamed of.

"And we’ve worked hard to improve your club. Our work isn’t done. And I hope you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes, we’re trying to work in your club’s best interests. In this endeavour I’ve let you down.

"Again, I’m sorry, and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have.

"If there’s one thing this horrible pandemic has clearly shown, it’s how crucial fans are to our sport and to every sport. It’s shown in every empty stadium. It’s been an incredibly tough year for all of us; virtually no-one unaffected. It’s important that the Liverpool football family remains intact, vital and committed to what we’ve seen from you globally, with local gestures of kindness and support. I can promise you I will do whatever I can to further that.

"Thanks for listening."

Henry's decision to back down from this money-spinning plan will come as great relief to Liverpool supporters and players alike, after the entire squad took to social media to air their grievances against the Super League's format.