While the Champions League draw has been labeled as fixed several times before, the semi-final affair has been hit with one of the biggest controversies. Fans were unhappy at seeing Real Madrid face Bayern Munich once more only for an eye-catching screenshot to make its way onto social media.
A picture was reportedly taken from Roma’s official website’s ticket page. As seen from the image below, the Serie A club was offering fans a chance to buy tickets for a home clash with Liverpool on May 2.
The problem is this allegedly went up a day before the Italian outfit was officially paired against the Merseyside giant in Nyon. This has reignited claims that the UEFA draws are fixed.
The draw was already decided. This is blatant match fixing. #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/cYZnNyvNub
— Diego Martinez (@DiegoMSport) April 13, 2018
If true, this mistake has now been taken down by the Giallorossi, but it was too late. Many had already noticed this and posted pictures of it on Twitter as proof that the luck of the draw has nothing to do with luck.
There have been allegations that the balls are heated in order to arrange the fixtures to favor some teams. Many claim Real Madrid has received preferential treatment, but their luck this season proves otherwise.
Real Madrid’s opponents in the Champions League this season:
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) April 13, 2018
2nd Round: French champions
QF: Italian champions
SF: German champions
While there is no proof of rigged draws, this slip-up by Roma will only strengthen criticism against UEFA. It will be interesting to see the response by the Italian outfit, European football’s governing body, or both.
Regardless of whether the draw was fixed or not, fans should be in for an exciting round. Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid should be a thrilling encounter, and that is not even taking into consideration the James Rodriguez factor and the controversy from last season’s encounter. Liverpool vs Roma will see this season’s two intriguing underdogs go head to head.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
