Burnley: JJ Watt speaks out on controversial Birmingham City v Wrexham idea | OneFootball

Burnley: JJ Watt speaks out on controversial Birmingham City v Wrexham idea | OneFootball

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·17 September 2024

Burnley: JJ Watt speaks out on controversial Birmingham City v Wrexham idea

Article image:Burnley: JJ Watt speaks out on controversial Birmingham City v Wrexham idea

Watt has slammed the idea of Birmingham v Wrexham being played out in the United States.

Burnley minority shareholder JJ Watt has spoken out against the idea of Birmingham City playing a competitive game against Wrexham in the United States at some point.


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Watt took to X to share his views, with the Clarets' key figure responding to Birmingham CEO Garry Cook's comments about a game being played in the States.

Asked whether playing last night's game in the US was ever a possibility, Cook admitted that he thought that was a good idea, but didn't think the EFL would be in favour of it happening.

These comments have created controversy, with many football fans across England and Wales against the idea of a competitive game being played overseas.

There was a lot of noise surrounding last night's game between Blues and the Welsh side, not because of this controversy, but because some famous faces are helping to fund the sides.

Former American Football star Tom Brady is a minority shareholder at St Andrew's - and iconic film duo Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are the owners of the Dragons.

The game didn't prove to be a disappointment, with fireworks both on and off the pitch.

Some famous faces attended the game, including David Beckham and Gary Neville, along with Brady and McElhenney.

And on the pitch, a four-goal game entertained fans at St Andrew's.

Jack Marriott put the visitors ahead in the Midlands, but a double from Jay Stansfield and a strike from Tomoki Iwata allowed the hosts to secure all three points and the bragging rights.

Both sides are still flying high in the table - and both will be hoping to secure a place in the Championship at the end of this term.

JJ Watt speaks out amid Birmingham City v Wrexham debate

Even though Cook believed the idea of playing yesterday's game in the United States was a good idea, Watt doesn't believe it should happen.

He posted on X: "The beauty of the English game is the history, the tradition, the passion.

"These clubs have been around long before any of us arrived and they’ll be around long after any of us are gone.

"Modernize some aspects that need it, sure. But let’s not mess with what makes it great."

Fans will oppose any possibility of Birmingham City v Wrexham being held in the United States

Article image:Burnley: JJ Watt speaks out on controversial Birmingham City v Wrexham idea

No competitive game in English football should ever be played overseas.

It simply can't happen - the fans must come first.

The European Super League was a disgrace and it would be just as bad if league games start to be played overseas.

Having a pre-season friendly between the two sides in the United States wouldn't be bad, but it can't go any further than that.

Any attempt to play a game overseas will be met with very strong resistance and it would be difficult to see either club winning that battle against football fans.

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