FOOTBALL fans accused the Europa League draw of being “rigged” after English clubs discovered their last-16 opponents.
Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham were all in the hat for the draw on Friday having won their respective groups before Christmas.
Their success in the group stage meant they would be pitted against a team that had come through the play-off round – which they entered either as group runners-up or after dropping down from the Champions League.
And Liverpool earned themselves a favourable draw as they will take on Sparta Prague.
But West Ham and Brighton have been handed tougher paths, with The Hammers facing Bundesliga side Freiburg and The Seagulls coming up against Italian giants Roma.
This led to many fans flocking to social media to rage about the draw.
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One said: “Rigged tournament.”
Another added: “Rigged the draw.”
While a West Ham fan replied: “So rigged hahaha, we have no chance.”
But one Liverpool supporter was over the moon as they responded: “Sparta Prague, best draw we could’ve got. So happy about it.”
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Meanwhile, others were baffled by the rules of the draw as Qarabag were paired with Bayer Leverkusen despite the pair being in the same group.
A social media user said: “They met in the group stage? This is so rigged man.”
Europa Conference League holders West Ham and Freiburg also faced off in the group stage, with David Moyes’ men claiming two victories.
The first-leg ties will take place on March 7, with the return legs seven days later.
Rangers will continue their European journey with a tough fixture against Benfica.
And French heavyweights Marseille will take on 2021 Europa League winners Villarreal.
Nobody offered any proof for their suggestions that the draw was rigged.
See the full draw below…
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
