STEVENAGE gambled by slating Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho on social media – minutes BEFORE their incredible last-gasp FA Cup giant-killing.
The League Two side taunted the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker online when he was taken off as Premier League Villa led 1-0.
Fans waded in to warn the “embarrassing tweet” could backfire – but instead Stevenage struck twice in the final three minutes to triumph 2-1.
The minnows had posted on their official account: “66′ – Philippe Coutinho comes off. The substitution took longer than usual as they had to dig him out of Luther James-Wildin’s back pocket.”
And at first Stevenage were deluged with comments criticising their timing and judgement.
One poster said: “This is the most cringe and forced tweet I think I’ve ever seen, not to mention you’re losing.”
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Similar points included: “Be cocky when you’re winning” … “you’re losing fellas” … and “Oh dear, this type of tweet does not work when you’re losing”.
Some fans, however, applauded Stevenage’s boldness.
One said: “Savagery mid game you gotta love it.”
Another added: “I hate Stevenage but that’s funny.”
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And when the Hertfordshire outsiders pulled off their amazing turnaround success, the tone changed online too.
Fans feasted on Villa’s misfortune with jibes like: “Few people deleting tweets now” and “look at the comments hahaha”.
Some Villa fans, though, applauded Stevenage – for their victory and even for spotlighting Coutinho.”
One said: “Fair play. He was poor for us today… and last week… and last year.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
