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Scudamore defends Premiership

25/09/2005

Chief executive Richard Scudamore has defended the Premier League in the face of mounting criticism that it is failing to entertain spectators.

Some reports have suggested that attendances are falling and a failure to entertain spectators has been touted as a possible explanation for this.

But Scudamore has hit back, rubbishing the claims that fewer supporters are coming through the turnstiles.

"We're tracking at 33,300 for the season. We came out of October only at 33,080 last year. It's far too early with far too few games to make meaningful comparisons," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"In fact we think attendances are holding up and indeed will be slightly up."

Scudamore rejected the idea that TV coverage was harming attendances, although he was against the idea of broadcasting many more live games.

"I do not think there should be criticism of TV," he said.

"It is the rocket fuel that sent the Premier League into the stratosphere - 106 games in the last deal was about right, 138 might be at the high end."

The Premier League chief executive was also unimpressed by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's suggestion that extra points should be awarded for scoring more goals.

"It's one for debate. My personal view is I don't like the idea. I think it's a little contrived and I think it's unlikely," he added.

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