UEFA was the butt of many jokes on Monday after a series of procedural errors forced the governing body to redo the Champions League round of 16 draw just hours after the initial proceedings concluded.
Twitter, naturally, enjoyed every minute of it. Here are some of the best reactions from the online soccer community in the wake of the embarrassing fiasco:
“Did I leave the oven on…” pic.twitter.com/A6YxVpzQ7W
— Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) December 13, 2021
At least now we know UEFA would be way too incompetent to actually rig an entire draw.
— Grace Robertson ????? (@GraceOnFootball) December 13, 2021
Ceferin has ordered the #UCLdraw to be redone after learning that Agnelli was delighted with Juventus getting Sporting Lisbon
— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) December 13, 2021
Spanish TV joking, nervously, about Madrid’s current relationship with UEFA, post Super League etc.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) December 13, 2021
If Real Madrid are so unhappy, can’t they just create their own league? https://t.co/odSIEgQ4RB
— Kristian (@vonstrenginho) December 13, 2021
Hi lads. Do me a favour, I’m half-way through a Salzburg-Liverpool piece, can you draw those two together again please. It won’t work so well if Salzburg get another English club. Thanks.
— Stuart James (@stujames75) December 13, 2021
Barcelona had been in the draw for the last 16 in the Champions League every time for 17 years. Now they will be left out of it twice in a day.
— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) December 13, 2021
Ultimately a massive error by UEFA means this season’s knockout stage is completely compromised. It will be a pale imitation of past editions and no-one will take it seriously. But enough about the decision to scrap the away goals rule.
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) December 13, 2021
How complicated does the software need to be to tell you which of precisely seven balls needs to go into a bowl? It’s not exactly CERN, is it?
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) December 13, 2021
Statement from UEFA: Max Verstappen has been declared the winner of this season’s Champions League.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) December 13, 2021
The jokes continued to fly after the re-draw took place:
What time is the 3rd round of the draw? ?? https://t.co/7vigGbYMKF
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) December 13, 2021
Florentine Perez right now… #UCLdraw #UCL pic.twitter.com/4tPeQ7WSWM
— Sam Quek (@SamanthaQuek) December 13, 2021
Maybe this final one wasn’t a joke …
Of course none of these Champions League games matter given football is going to stop soon and we’re all going to go back to make banana bread in our kitchens.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) December 13, 2021
The tributes came pouring in Wednesday for Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero after he announced his premature retirement from football due to a heart condition.
Among those to pay their respects to the legendary Argentine striker were his former Manchester City teammates, whom he shared his greatest moments and success with on the pitch:
An extraordinary striker has retired from the game, but also a great team mate, a friend and a unique personality. Thanks and respect to an authentic Man City phenomenon. I wish you nothing but the best legend. @aguerosergiokun #Aguerooooo pic.twitter.com/prYdYS7Wxi
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) December 15, 2021
One of the best strikers ever! Want to wish you all the best for the future legend. See you soon @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/DLsZ2aL6jg
— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) December 15, 2021
One of the best to do it ?? thank you for everything, take care bro ? pic.twitter.com/H1kBM9gkXo
— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) December 15, 2021
Amigo, sé que ha sido una decisión difícil y dura la que has tenido que tomar pero te vas como una LEYENDA. Para mi ha sido un orgullo compartir tantos momentos juntos, dentro y fuera del terreno. Eres mi partner in crime! ????Mucha suerte en tu nueva etapa! #KunAguero pic.twitter.com/4s7as9QsAk
— David Silva (@21LVA) December 15, 2021
This video will never get old ??? happy retirement @aguerosergiokun love you so much ? ? ? @ManCity pic.twitter.com/UUJ82apO7j
— Pablo Zabaleta (@pablo_zabaleta) December 15, 2021
A true legend of the game. It was an honour to play with you, Sergio. I wish you all the best for your future. @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/hMybroRitH
— Leroy Sané (@leroy_sane) December 15, 2021
Thank you for everything we’ve lived together, Kun. It was a pleasure to play by your side. Congratulations on your beautiful and victorious carrer. Thanks! @aguerosergiokun #kun10 pic.twitter.com/XPLFCuZLbP
— Gabriel Jesus (@gabrieljesus9) December 15, 2021
King Kun.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank @aguerosergiokun for his incredible contribution to our success over the last decade and wish him well in his retirement ? pic.twitter.com/AgMWXZtPZ8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 15, 2021
One of Manchester City’s most famous supporters, former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher, also weighed in on the 33-year-old’s announcement:
Respect ? to the 1 n only SERGIO AGUERO relax n put your feet up RKID untouchable LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 15, 2021
His former club Atletico Madrid and home country Argentina saluted him:
Thanks for the memories, Sergio. We wish you all the best. pic.twitter.com/0gHVboqXPQ
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 15, 2021
#FuerzaKun ¡Gracias, querido @aguerosergiokun! Gracias por tantos años de fútbol, gambetas, goles y alegrías con la Albiceleste. Estarás por siempre en los corazones de cada argentino y te alentaremos toda la vida?
— Selección Argentina ?? (@Argentina) December 15, 2021
Aguero’s compatriot and close friend Lionel Messi reminisced about their relationship on and off the pitch:
Messi’s farewell message to Aguero ? pic.twitter.com/YaKBzpZo4S
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 15, 2021
Several of Aguero’s opponents through the years also showed love for the prolific goalscorer:
One Of The Greatest @premierleague players EVER. @aguerosergiokun ? LEGEND pic.twitter.com/8yWo7H43l7
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) December 15, 2021
You have achieved so much in your career and can look back on it with pride. All the best for your health, you and your family. ?? @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/9XggirBudk
— Franck Ribéry (@FranckRibery) December 15, 2021
It was an honour to compete against a player like you, @aguerosergiokun, one of the best players in the world. Best of luck to you and your family.
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) December 15, 2021
An amazing career sadly comes to an end.
All the best for your future, @aguerosergiokun! ? pic.twitter.com/aPVy1Ikwrc
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 15, 2021
