Mark Goldbridge has given his most controversial Premier League take yet and fans are having none of it

The prospect of Premier League games being played outside the UK has been backed by YouTuber Mark Goldbridge - but fans have been clear in their verdict of his view.

The new top flight campaign kicks off next month and all games will be played at stadiums across the nation.

Football is a global sport and the Premier League's popularity has grown over the years from a mostly domestic fanbase to a truly international one which crosses the continents.

Following the league's growth and rise in profile, the question has often been raised as to whether Premier League games could be played overseas.

It would follow the lead of NFL fixtures which annually take place in London, as it has in the past at both Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The move divides opinions with Bournemouth owner Bill Foley vowing to not support any plans for Premier League matches to be played outside of England.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Foley said: "In terms of playing actual Premier League matches in America? We should play in the UK. That is where they belong. I am very respectful of our fans and the whole system. I wouldn't want to be involved in changing any of that.

"Premier League games in America? No."

Meanwhile, YouTuber and Manchester United fan Goldbridge is a supporter of top flight fixtures being played outside England.

He said: "You can't stand in the way of progress. There is huge amounts of money that come into the Premier League because of a global audience.

"And if you don't do it, you better be sure your neighbour John is going to do it. What I mean by that is La Liga, the Italian league, who lag behind the Premier League for revenue and appeal, will step into those markets in an attempt to try and make them more appealing."

Goldbridge added: "I as a football fan, I'm not opposed to this, if you get rid of the 3pm blackout, because if you're going to give America or another country some of our Premier League games, they already get to watch 3pm games as it is.

"If you want a conversation about taking games to America, then you better clear this 3pm blackout and let us be able to legitimately watch every single game like they can in America already."

Goldbridge has his say on Premier League games being played outside of the UK... pic.twitter.com/BMI4ZYGzO4

— That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) July 26, 2024

It's fair to say, however, that Goldbridge's views have not gone down well with other supporters on social media, who disagree with the YouTuber's verdict.

One fan wrote: "For god sake. Is money the only benchmark for progress?"

Another tweeted: "I’m fully opposed. Another money grab at the expense of fans."

A third fan added: "Armchair fan doesn’t mind… what a shocker! Doesn’t impact him does it."

Someone else wrote: "When you have to say it’s Mic Drop, it really ain’t one!"

A fifth commented: "Absolutely opposed to this idea."

Another fan said: "What a giant L this is."