A petition launched by Gary Neville calling for an independent regulator for football has been signed by tens of thousands of fans as it heads for a parliamentary debate.
The call comes after the outrage that followed the launch of the European Super League last month, which sparked the Government's threat to intervene to stop it.
Newcastle fans and the Supporters Trust have signed up to the petition, which has been backed by the Magpie Group - with many United fans pointing out the below par way the long-running United takeover saga has been handled, along with issues over Mike Ashley's running of the club.
Launching the petition Neville, along with Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher and other high profile football figures, signed a joint open letter which backed both an independent regulator and Government legislation to prevent a repeat of the ESL breakaway.
"Now we must make sure this never happens again," the letter reads.
"Without swift and direct intervention, the return of a European Super League will be a constant threat.
"We welcome the fan-led Government review of the game and hope it leads to lasting change on an array of important concerns; including co-ordinated strategies to deal with racism, supporters’ representation within clubs, LGBTQ issues, ticket costs and the distribution of income.
"All of those aims can be realised if we take decisive action now."
As of mid-day on Monday, it had reached nearly 50,000 signatures. If it hits 100,000, it must be debated in the Houses of Parliament.
The petition states: "The Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021."
