OPINION
Reports emerged this week claiming that all 20 top-flight sides had been asked for a £250,000 whip-round to hand outgoing Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore a £5million parting gift.
Naturally, the leaked information regarding this ‘golden handshake’ was greeted with derision and anger among the majority of the footballing community, with Scudamore having been handsomely rewarded for his work during his 19 years of service.
The story seemed to confirm the fact that football is quickly losing touch with reality, if it has not done so already, and many believed that the proposal would be rejected by many clubs.
Instead, there were only a handful of clubs opposed to the payment, which Scudamore has now accepted, and West Ham were unfortunately not among that number.
In addition, co-chairman David Gold has been talking to the press following the decision, and his pathetic comments on the flashpoint will not please West Ham fans one bit.
When BBC Sport Editor Dan Roan asked if the payment reinforces a sense of greed at the top level of football governance, Gold said: “No, no. You’re almost looking for trouble. This is all very appropriate and we’re all very pleased. We support the action that has been taken.”
His full response can be seen in the video below:
“He deserves it!”
West Ham owner David Gold tells us outgoing PL chief Scudamore’s £5m departure bonus is “very appropriate” and critics are “almost looking for trouble” pic.twitter.com/jqxt5bPhCC— Dan Roan (@danroan) November 15, 2018
While Gold may feel like the press are making a mountain out of a molehill, the fact is that this situation proves beyond doubt that the Premier League and those involved at the highest level are out of touch with reality.
For Gold to accuse people of ‘looking for trouble’ on this issue, when questioning it is obviously to be the natural response, is just downright ridiculous and does not reflect well on him or the club.
So many football fans are struggling to make ends meet while handing over much of their income to their clubs, only to be slapped in the face by developments like this.
West Ham fans will no doubt go ballistic after hearing Gold’s comments, which will only serve to plunge their relationship with the board back into question.
