BURNLEY MP Antony Higginbotham has condemned plans for a new European super-league in a House of Commons debate.

He was joined in his Westminster criticism of the six English clubs signed up to the proposal by Blackburn Rovers supporter and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

They spoke out during the debate on a Commons statement by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden attacking the scheme.

Mr Higginbotham said: "In forming these proposals, the six premier league clubs involved have shown no regard for the impact on clubs such as Burnley in my constituency, but also no regard for the fans who offer their unwavering loyalty season after season."

Mr Farron called on the government to fast track new laws to stop the breakaway by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.

He said: "This is a devastating attack on the English game, as a shameless, arrogant and desperate elite seek to make millions at the expense of the millions of us who love the game and love our clubs.

"Those who wish to steal and destroy the English game must be stopped. English football must be saved. This Parliament has the power to do it, not just to review it."

Burnley FC chairman Alan Pace called for an independent regulator to protect the English game from the proposal.

He said: "The six Premier League clubs taking this step have turned their back on our moral duty as custodians of the game to protect English football and, the spirit of the sport, at all costs.

"Weak governance has led us to this point."

Mr Dowden told MPs: "We rule out absolutely nothing."