Premier League’s Most Controversial Clubs: Top 10 Teams Fans Love to Hate in 2024/25

The Premier League, England’s top football division, is known for its passion, rivalry, and intense competition. As we approach the 2024/25 season, some clubs stand out not just for their on-field performance, but also for the strong emotions they evoke in opposing fans. This article explores the ten Premier League clubs that, for various reasons, have earned reputations as the most disliked going into the new season.

It’s important to note that “hate” in football often stems from a club’s success, controversial decisions, or long-standing rivalries. This list is based on historical trends, recent events, and general fan sentiment up to early 2024. Football opinions are subjective and can change rapidly, so this ranking should be taken as a general guide rather than an absolute statement.

Key Stats for the 2023/24 Season

1. Manchester United: The Red Devils Everyone Loves to Hate

Manchester United sits at the top of our list, and boy, do they wear that crown with pride. Here’s why they’re the team everyone loves to hate:

• The Glory Days: Remember when United won everything under Sir Alex Ferguson? Yeah, other fans do too, and they’re still salty about it.
• Money, Money, Money: United splashes cash on transfers like it’s going out of style. Paul Pogba for £89 million in 2016? That’s enough to make rival fans’ eyes water.
• Fans Everywhere: You can’t swing a cat without hitting a United fan. From Manchester to Mumbai, they’re everywhere, and not everyone’s thrilled about it.
• The Glazers: The American owners are about as popular as a rainy day at the beach. Many fans, even United’s own, aren’t keen on their management style.

Fun Fact: United has won a record 20 league titles. That’s a lot of bragging rights!

2. Liverpool: You’ll Never Walk Alone (But You Might Want To)

Liverpool’s recent success has put them right back in the firing line. Here’s why they’re not winning any popularity contests:

• History Lessons: Liverpool fans love to talk about their history. A lot. Some rival fans think they need to get with the times.
• The Klopp Effect: Jurgen Klopp’s infectious grin and bear hugs are great… unless you’re on the receiving end of a 4-0 drubbing.
• “This Is Our Year”: The eternal optimism of Liverpool fans can grate on others. Especially when it actually became their year in 2020.
• You’ll Never Walk Alone: It’s a great song, but hearing it for the 1000th time might make some fans wish they could walk alone, far away.

Did You Know? Liverpool’s 2019-20 Premier League title was their first in 30 years. Talk about a long wait!

3. Manchester City: New Money, New Problems

Man City’s rise to the top has been meteoric, and not everyone’s happy about it. Here’s why:

• Sheikh It Off: City’s Abu Dhabi owners have deep pockets, and they’re not afraid to dig deep. Some call it investment; others call it unfair.
• Financial Fair Play?: City’s had more run-ins with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules than a bull in a china shop.
• Where Were You When You Were Rubbish?: City’s fanbase has grown with their success. Rival fans often question where these supporters were in the lean years.
• Emptyhad: Despite their success, City sometimes struggles to fill their stadium, leading to the cruel nickname “Emptyhad” for the Etihad Stadium.

Interesting Stat: City has won 5 of the last 6 Premier League titles (as of 2023). Talk about dominance!

4. Chelsea: From Underdogs to Top Dogs

Chelsea’s transformation under Roman Abramovich made them a force to be reckoned with, and a target for criticism:

• Russian Roulette: Abramovich’s billions turned Chelsea into a powerhouse overnight. Not everyone was thrilled.
• Parking the Bus: Chelsea’s defensive tactics under some managers weren’t always easy on the eyes.
• Loan Army: At one point, Chelsea had so many players out on loan they could have formed their own league.
• New Owner, Same Story?: Even with new American ownership, old resentments die hard.

Chelsea Trivia: Chelsea has had 13 permanent managers since 2004. Talk about a revolving door!

5. Arsenal: Gunning for Unpopularity

Arsenal might surprise you on this list, but they’ve earned their spot:

• Arsenal Fan TV: This YouTube channel has become the voice of Arsenal fan discontent, much to the amusement (and annoyance) of others.
• Fourth Place Trophy: Arsenal’s consistent Champions League qualification under Wenger became a running joke.
• “The Thing About Arsenal…”: Rival fans love to mimic Arsenal supporters’ perceived obsession with playing beautiful football.
• North London Is Red: The ongoing battle for North London supremacy with Tottenham keeps tensions high.

Arsenal Fact: Arsenal went unbeaten in the 2003-04 season, earning the nickname “The Invincibles”. Some fans never let anyone forget it!

6. Tottenham Hotspur: So Close, Yet So Far

Spurs have become a top-six regular, but that’s brought its own problems:

• “Lads, It’s Tottenham”: Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous dismissal of Spurs still haunts them.
• Put the Pressure On: Tottenham’s near-misses in title races have become a source of mockery.
• The Harry Kane Saga: The will-he-won’t-he transfer sagas involving their star striker have drawn criticism.
• New Stadium, Same Spurs: Their state-of-the-art stadium is impressive, but some say it lacks the soul of White Hart Lane.

Spurs Stat: Despite consistent top-six finishes, Tottenham’s last major trophy was the League Cup in 2008.

7. Newcastle United: New Money on the Tyne

Newcastle’s recent Saudi-backed takeover has thrust them into the spotlight:

• Sportswashing FC: The club’s ownership by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has raised ethical concerns.
• Magpies to Moneybags: Newcastle’s new-found wealth has drawn parallels with Manchester City’s rise.
• Geordie Shore to Geordie Soar: The rapid ascent from relegation battlers to Champions League contenders has ruffled feathers.
• The Bigg Market’s Bouncing: The passionate Geordie fanbase can be intimidating for away supporters.

Newcastle Nugget: Despite their passionate fanbase, Newcastle hasn’t won a major trophy since the 1955 FA Cup.

8. Everton: The Other Team in Liverpool

Everton might seem like an unlikely entry, but they’ve got their critics:

• Living in Liverpool’s Shadow: Being the “other” team in Liverpool isn’t easy.
• The People’s Club: This self-given nickname doesn’t sit well with everyone.
• Goodison Grudges: Everton can be a tough place to visit, with a reputation for robust challenges and a hostile atmosphere.
• Big Spenders, Little Return: Significant investment hasn’t translated to on-field success, frustrating fans and rivals alike.

Everton Trivia: Everton were founding members of the Football League in 1888 and have spent more seasons in England’s top flight than any other club.

9. West Ham United: Hammer Time

The Hammers round out our list with a few reasons of their own:

• Olympic Stadium Controversy: The move from Upton Park to the London Stadium hasn’t been smooth sailing.
• Green Street Elite: The film “Green Street” didn’t do wonders for West Ham’s reputation, even if it was fiction.
• Bubbles and Trouble: The club anthem “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” is catchy, but not everyone’s a fan.
• The Academy of Football: West Ham’s pride in their youth academy can come across as boastful to some.

West Ham Fact: Despite their “Academy of Football” reputation, West Ham’s last major trophy was the 1980 FA Cup.

10. Leeds United: The Peacocks Ruffle Feathers

Leeds United might be the new kids on the block (again), but they’ve got history:

• Dirty Leeds: A nickname earned in the 1960s and 70s that’s hard to shake off.
• Bielsa Ball: Marcelo Bielsa’s high-octane style was thrilling but also drew criticism for its naivety.
• Noisy Neighbors: Leeds fans are known for their passion, which can spill over into antagonism.
• Risen from the Ashes: Their return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence wasn’t celebrated by everyone.

Leeds Tidbit: Leeds were the last winners of the old First Division before the Premier League era began in 1992.

Fan Engagement and Social Media Presence

Takeaways

And there you have it, folks! The ten Premier League clubs that seem to get under everyone’s skin. But here’s the thing: in football, being hated often means you’re doing something right. Success breeds contempt, as they say.

Remember, this “hate” isn’t personal. It’s part of the beautiful game’s tapestry. It’s what makes a rainy Tuesday night in Stoke so special. It’s why we scream at our TVs and hug strangers when our team scores.

As we look forward to the 2024/25 season, these clubs will continue to be at the heart of the drama, the passion, and yes, the occasional controversy that makes the Premier League the most-watched league in the world.

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of one of these clubs or their fiercest rival, take a moment to appreciate the passion that fuels this beautiful game. After all, without villains, where would our heroes be?

Now, pop on your jersey, grab a pint, and get ready for another season of thrills, spills, and good old-fashioned footballing drama. The Premier League is back, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!