THIS is the awkward moment the Europa League Conference draw came to a stuttering halt.
That’s after a former goalie’s hands failed him while trying to open a stuck ball.
Fenerbahce and Turkey legend Volkan Demirel was tasked with revealing teams drawn from the pot during Friday’s group stage draw in Istanbul.
The 40-year-old was left baffled as his expert grip was unable to prise open a particularly tricky ball.
Demirel, now manager of Fatih Karagumruk, looked on awkwardly as his fingers continued to struggle with the task.
And he even paused to wipe his hands on a towel before continuing to fail miserably.
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But the hilarious moment was promptly saved by host Giorgio Marchetti.
Uefa’s Deputy General Secretary is master when it comes to European draws.
And after asking Demirel “can I help?”, he expertly unlocked the stuck ball in one swift movement.
Marchetti’s one-glide motion prompted fits of laughter from both Demirel and the audience.
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And fans on Twitter also enjoyed the spectacle immensely.
One said: “Volkan Demirel having an absolute nightmare here.”
Another wrote: “Demirel should always be chosen for a draw, he’s actually got personality.”
One declared: “It’s not a draw until they wheel Marchetti out.”
Another added: “The year Marchetti retires, the draw will never be the same.”
Friday’s Europa Conference League group stage draw saw West Ham land Anderlecht, Silkeborg and FSCB.
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Elsewhere, Villarreal and Napoli will face each other after being drawn together.
And Scottish side Hearts face tough clashes against Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
