Jeremy Corbyn criticises Premier League clubs over grassroots investment in Libertines concert appearance

The Labour leader addressed the 16,500 strong crowd at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park 

Samuel Lovett
Saturday 20 May 2017 15:10 EDT
Comments
Corbyn criticises Premier League over grassroots football

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

First grime, now rock'n'roll. Jeremy Corbyn's music taste is clearly as eclectic and wide-ranging as his policies.

In his latest attempt to appeal to the country's younger voters, the Labour leader made a brief appearance at a Libertines concert, the British rock band fronted by Pete Doherty, at Tranmere Rovers' Prenton Park.

Currently campaigning in the Wirral, Corbyn appeared on stage to address the 16,500-strong crowd.

Having clearly taken note of his surroundings, the politician delivered a quick speech on the matter of football as he reiterated Labour's claims that the Premier League's clubs are failing on its promise to invest five per cent of its income into the local game.

"I love football," Corbyn declared. "I want it for everybody.

"Those very wealthy clubs in the Premiership, pay your five per cent so we've got grassroots football for everyone."

Corbyn's words were met with enthusiastic chants of "Jezza, Jezza" as the 67-year-old struggled to make himself heard over the crowd.

In Labour’s manifesto, the party criticises the Premier League for its broken promises with regards to grassroots investment.

Britain's opposition Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech to supporters at Peterborough Football Club/
Britain's opposition Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn delivers a speech to supporters at Peterborough Football Club/ (AFP/Getty Images)

"Labour will ensure the Premier League delivers on its promise to invest five per cent of its television rights income into the grassroots game to help the next generation of players and coaches, and to improve facilities and pitches,” it reads.

"The Premier League has so far failed to do so, despite lucrative new domestic and international TV deals."

The football organisation has hit back at such claims, though, insisting it has "always met its commitments" while arguing that there is "no evidence" to suggest otherwise.

The Libertines' say on the matter remains to be seen.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in