With its clubs banned from Europe , many top British players opted to leave England altogether -- Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes to Barcelona , Glenn Hoddle to Monaco , Chris Waddle to Marseille -- adding further to the sense of terminal malaise . English football has been transformed in 20 years since Hillsborough disaster . Disaster created demand for all - seater grounds , investment in infrastructure . Top clubs also benefited from creation of Premier League and sale of TV rights . The English Premier League is now the world 's most watched sporting event .
English football has been transformed in 20 years since Hillsborough disaster . Disaster created demand for all - seater grounds , investment in infrastructure . Top clubs also benefited from creation of Premier League and sale of TV rights . The English Premier League is now the world 's most watched sporting event .