Premier League six say sorry. But what now for the Super League rebels?

Man City’s decision to ditch the ESL came after even manager Pep Guardiola questioned the club’s decision to support it

Chelsea former star goalkeeper and now technical advisor Petr Cech, at right, behind a line of policemen, tries to calm down fans protesting outside Stamford Bridge last night, against Chelsea’s decision to join a new European Super League. Just a few hours later Chelsea confirmed their intent to pull out of the project.  Picture: AP Photo/Matt Dunham

The European Super League is dead in the water just 48 hours after it was unveiled, with all six Premier League clubs pulling out following a remarkable night in which football fans, players, governing bodies and clubs united to defeat it.

Chelsea were first to suggest an intention to quit, before Manchester City made the first official announcement, revealing they had ‘formally enacted the procedures to withdraw" – and the rest of the pack collapsed behind them, weighted down by the weight of global opposition.