Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that a move to the Premier League for Barcelona would make no sense, and would also cause conflict for England politically.
The Camp Nou club are believed to toying with the idea of joining England’s coveted competition, should they be dispelled from the Spanish La Liga amidst the Catalonia independence talks.
The Catalan government have been pushing for independence, and held a supposed ‘illegal’ vote in which 90% of Catalan citizens voted in favour, although both the EU and the Spanish government are claiming the vote is not valid.
This is causing political friction across Europe, and there is talk that the teams from inside Catalonia could be removed from the national league, leaving Espanyol, Barcelona and Girona in limbo.
Arsenal Wenger has now given his view on Barca joining England’s elite division, when asked if he wanted to see them join the English league.
“No, As soon as you disturb the geographical unity or common sense, I believe it would not be normal,” Wenger replied.
“Because why not invite Celtic or Rangers to the Premier League, who are part of Great Britain, it makes more sense than to invite Barcelona?
“On a second level as well, if it doesn’t go well politically between Catalonia and Spain, it would mean a stand of support for Catalonia from England which certainly would not be welcome internationally politically.
“I don’t believe it is a scenario you can envisage in a realistic way.
“And I hope as well that it will not go as far and Barcelona can continue to play in Spain.”
Would the Premier League allow Barcelona to join regardless of the political implications? Would you want the giants included in our division?
Pat J
If the Catalans want true Independence
then they would should set up their
own league within Catalonia.
That’s part of the price of Independence
No surprise Mr. Wenger is against the move.
With Barcelona in premier league, wenger has to kiss Good bye any chances of him winning the epl.
1. Barca
2. Mancity
3. Manu
4. Chelsea
Oh nooooooooo! No top four.
Am with you Wenger on this one.
#Noentrancebarca
1. Arsenal
2. Everton
3. Barcelona
4. Leicester
with barca in epl we wont even qualify for ucl unless we spend 300mil
LOL because arsene decides if they can join or not haha! Anyway fans should protest and get kroenke to sell a little. Let us fans enjoy the cash too buy owing some of the club. The only way and arsenal fan can be happy is by owning arsenal.
Shame
“The Catalan government have been pushing for independence, and held a supposed ‘illegal’ vote in which 90% of Catalan citizens voted in favour,”
Funny, I have spoken to people from Catalonia (MMO gaming) and they was saying less than half the population turned up to vote, so although the vote may have been so one sided, it wasn’t 90% of Catalan citizens which the articles wording would indicate.
The vote from reports was illegal as they didn’t go through the Spanish gov and they need to get the gov to hold it, just like Scotland got the UK gov to allow them the referendum they had.
I have read many Catalan posts which condemned the vote but raged about how the police was heavy handed.
“although both the EU and the Spanish government are claiming the vote is not valid.”
Obviously, it wasn’t a legal vote, it didn’t get permission from the gov in charge. There is a system in place, we may not like it but that is the system we need to play in and to win in.
“Would the Premier League allow Barcelona to join regardless of the political implications?”
The Welsh teams had to fight their way up, IF the FA was to allow Barca (or Celtic) into the English league then they would most likely have to work their way up from the bottom.
The title is weird. It says Wenger “rules out…” lol. Like he has the final say or is decision maker on the subject. lol.
It should say “Arsenal Boss gives his opinion….” or Arsenal Boss thinks it’s a bad idea… ” or something like that. LOL
Arselona- merged teams.
Prob only way we will win the league 🙂
It makes more sense if Catalonia gains independence for Catalonian teams to re-inter the Spanish league than them to join any other league. It makes geographical sense but it could be tricky politically.
Maybe Arda comes in Winter to replace Mesut Özil. I just saw it in german media