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Ex-Man City chairman Bernstein: I'm ashamed of the club

Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein admits he's ashamed of the club over their Super League involvement.

Bernstein was City chairman between 1998 and 2003, when he was heavily involved with the move from Maine Road to the Etihad Stadium. He later served as chairman of the FA.

Speaking to BBC Radio Four about the European Super League plans, Bernstein was heavily critical of City and the other 11 clubs involved.

"I'm ashamed," he said.

"I've supported Manchester City all my life. It's a club I love. But I'm really ashamed, as I know Gary Neville has said he is about his old club Manchester United, and I think Jamie Carragher and Liverpool.

"I'm ashamed as clubs with that history should have great responsibility to the rest of the game.

"I think the arrogance of these half a dozen English clubs is something to behold."

Bernstein later added to Sky Sports News: "I'm personally very much against it. It destroys the pyramid of football. We've spoken about the dream and aspiration of clubs developing, they rise and fall.

"Manchester City 20 years ago were in the third division and played Gillingham at Wembley in a play-off final. Leicester now have punched above their weight. You're removing all that dream and aspiration. It's very sad and dangerous and I'm absolutely against it."

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