THE gloves have finally come off in the Football League's fight with the media giants who owned the doomed ITV Digital Channel.

Burnley Football Club is right behind the Football League in the legal fight and chief executive Andrew Watson explained this morning: "We have always said that we should take the fight all the way.

"What Carlton and Granada have done is a disgrace and they are wealthy companies who have to be held responsible.

"It is not just the £2million we are due in August, it is the money that we would get throughout the season when matches are screened.

"We have done everything asked of us and we are delighted the Football League is taking them to court. We, and the other clubs, are right behind them."

The Football League yesterday filed a claim for £178.5million in the High Court against Carlton Communications plc and Granada Media plc, claiming that they are liable for ITV Digital's debts for their television contract with Nationwide League clubs.

League chief executive David Burns said: "From the outset of this dispute the Football League has made it abundantly clear that it will, if necessary, use all options to pursue Carlton and Granada for monies outstanding from our broadcasting agreement."

The League are also preparing a claim against the whole ITV network and will lodge a claim for damages exceeding £500million with the liquidators of ITV Digital when they are appointed.

Burns added the League had been forced into the move after the heads of Carlton and Granada had refused to enter into talks.

He said: "The Football League has sought to negotiate with Charles Allen (Granada chairman) and Michael Green (Carlton chairman) but they have refused to meet with us and, in view of their unwillingness to enter into a meaningful business discussion, we are now focused on the legal process.

"Leading counsel has advised that the League has a strong case on the merits and we remain confident of success."

The court action will hinge on whether Carlton and Granada are liable for the remainder of the £315million television deal agreed by ITV Digital, which went into administration last month.

A statement from the League confirmed the ITV Network would also be targeted, and they would be taking the television rights back from ITV Digital.

It read: "The Football League is also preparing a claim against the ITV Network, as it asserts that ITV Digital and the ITV Network (at the direction of Carlton and Granada) have acted in partnership to exploit the League's media rights.

"In view of Carlton's and Granada's actions the League has now accepted that ITV Digital's failure has brought their contract to an end.

"Consequently, the League has now taken back all media rights granted under that contract.

"This leaves a claim for damages, exceeding £500million, which will be lodged with the liquidator of ITV Digital, once appointed."

The League also announced it has started talks with other companies about the sale of broadcasting rights for Nationwide League games, Worthington Cup matches and the LDV Vans Trophy, and will open the process up for tender.

Burns added: "The failure of ITV Digital should not distract people from recognising the Football League remains a hugely popular and exciting sporting programme.

"More people attend our games than any other competition in Europe and this season we have enjoyed our best attendances for 33 years, with more than 15 million people going through the turnstiles.

"The enduring attraction of football to television viewers cannot be questioned. This Sunday alone seven million people watched the Division One play-off final between Birmingham City and Norwich City, its highest television audience ever."

The League will also press for an investigation by the liquidator into the collapse of ITV Digital, and into the actions of those at Granada, Carlton and ITV who have been concerned with the platform.

Granada say the League's action was a counter-claim to their writ to High Court, which asked judges to determine whether they were liable for the debts.

A Granada spokesman said: "This is the reaction we had expected to the High Court declaration that we applied for some weeks ago.

"We have robust legal advice that we have no liability for the Football League contract.

"We are confident that we will win any action and we will defend the claim vigorously."