“This is so fixed,” Chelsea fans fume at former Liverpool star for setting up Barcelona draw

Chelsea fans cheering a match at Stamford Bridge [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Chelsea fans took to social media to slate former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso for intentionally pairing the club with La Liga giants Barcelona in the round 16 of Champions League.

Alonso elicited harsh reaction from Chelsea fans, following the manner in which he picked up the ball from the bowl, which according many fans was deliberate. The Uefa Champions League draw somewhat dimmed Chelsea’s hopes of progression as they were handed Barcelona-a team they last played in 2012 semifinals.

Even though Chelsea progressed with a 3-2 aggregate, English Champions have blown hot and cold by registering mixed result in the current season. Therefore, playing a team like Barcelona would surely give them uncertainty of qualifying for the quarter finals.

While reacting to the manner in which former Liverpool man handled the draw, fans argued that he deliberately handed his former club Liverpool a ‘friendlier’ draw against Porto. Fans also argued that Alonso was also keen to protect his former team Bayern Munich against the prospects of meeting teams like Manchester City, Manchester United or Liverpool.

Josh T tweeted: “So Xabi Alonso sees balls being picked out of the clubs and knows exactly which one is Barca, which seems fair…” Jamii tweeted: I’m 100% certain Xabi was holding the Barca ball as soon as it went in and never let it go.

Dan Green tweeted: “The guy smiling before #Barcelona was drawn, he remembered which ball he put in and Alonso knew he was picking it…. rewind and watch it again everyone… the #UCL is so fixed. Every year.”

 However, Chelsea Coach Antonio Conte has maintained that he will be preparing his team for the Uefa Champions League showdown. He added that he has no regret whatsoever for drawing Barcelona.