Man United legend slams idea to play Villarreal vs Barcelona in US – ‘It’s wrong and it should never happen’

La Liga’s proposal to move the league match between Villarreal and Barcelona to Miami on 20 December has drawn strong criticism from several quarters.

Several La Liga clubs, including Real Madrid, have opposed the proposal, while the Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) also expressed concerns about the decision that was made without consulting several key stakeholders.

Now, the controversial decision has sparked a strong response from former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.

The Premier League legend stated in an interview with BBC Sport that he believes the move is unfair to Spanish fans and driven purely by financial motives.

“The TV and the broadcasters will do everything they can to get as much as they can for the money they’re paying,” he said.

The Manchester United legend argued that loyal supporters, who regularly travel across the country to follow their clubs, are the ones left disadvantaged.

“But you’ve got loyal fans who go and travel all over the country watching you home and away,” Rooney further stated.

“And then for them to miss a game – or if they want to go to the game abroad, they have to pay the money which would be expected to go to, say to the States, for a hotel, travel.”

Concluding, he noted: “I just think it’s wrong that you’re taking a game away from the fans purely for money reasons. I think it’s wrong and it should never happen.”

Despite the criticism and opposition, La Liga president Javier Tebas has defended the proposal, and with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approving the move, it is likely that Villarreal and Barcelona will end up playing at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.