Richard Masters was in attendance at the Emirates for Arsenal’s last game of the season against Everton (Picture: TNT Sports)
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was adamant there was nothing sinister in his decision to attend Arsenal’s final game of the season.
Eyebrows were raised when it emerged earlier this week that Masters wouldn’t be at the Etihad Stadium where City were widely expected to confirm their status as champions for the fourth year in a row.
With City facing 115 charges of financial wrongdoing, it had been suggested that Masters was keen to avoid having to preside over another City coronation, but Masters insisted that was not the case.
He said: ‘We did have two teams in operation, obviously whoever wins the Premier League title today.
‘We’re in for a thrilling finale whoever wins it. I’m afraid it’s not particularly scientific, there’s no protocols involved but after Tuesday night’s match between Spurs and Manchester City I had a chat with our chair Alison Britain and it was the plan we came up with, it’s no more simple than that.’
Despite City’s domination of the competition, Masters was adamant that is has been another thrilling installment of the Premier League, capped by the tightest title race in recent memory.
He said: ‘It has been a big season for the Premier League and the most important thing is it’s been a fantastic season on the pitch.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘Once again the club and players and managers have delivered an amazing competition for the fans to enjoy.
‘As competition organisers of the league what you want is for things to be on the line in the 38th match round which is where we are today.
‘We’ve got European places up for grabs, we’ve got the title on the line which is incredibly important.
‘It’s been a brilliant season. If you’re into your data it’s been the most competitive title race ever. Going back to the European spots, Aston Villa getting in the top four, they’re the eighth club in the last three years.
More Trending
‘The title race we’re seeing it more often now, it’s the third time in six seasons we’ve had it going down to the final day of the season. It’s brilliant and long may it continue.’
Premier League clubs, meanwhile, are set to vote on the implementation of VAR at an upcoming meeting, but Masters remains hopeful the top flight clubs will vote to persist with technology.
He said: ‘Clubs are entitled to bring forward discussions and we’ll be discussing VAR and that vote. From our perspective we’d like to keep it and improve it.
‘We understand that there are some frustrations with is making it quicker and more transparent.’
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.