
Sport
Share
Published 15:31 14 Aug 2023 BST
Updated 15:37 14 Aug 2023 BST

Fans have been left outraged and even accused Burnley of "borderline match fixing" on the first week of the Premier League season.
No, this wasn't to do with matters on the pitch, but to do with the second most important thing: Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Supporters and even the pros themselves around the globe all take part in the online phenomenon which has group chats, offices and more on tenterhooks for nine months.
As expected, many opted to pick Erling Haaland and captain him in the process. 73 per cent of FPL players included the Norwegian and he didn't disappoint, scoring two goals as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 win against Burnley.
Among those 73 per cent included three Burnley players, who had all captained the forward. Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork and Arijanet Muric were the trio in question, as revealed by FPL Local although none of them started the defeat at Turf Moor.
James Trafford meanwhile fancied himself in his debut for his new club against his former employers but wouldn't be taking any major points after conceding three and failing to keep a clean sheet.
The decision from the Burnley players to include Haaland in their FPL XI led to widespread criticism from many who believed it was unprofessional.
"Kompany needs to fine them. I’m all for players playing fpl and having fun, but captaining an opponent?? Even if its haaland even if its salah, itll weaken their mentality tbh," wrote one user.
A second posted: "This shouldn’t be allowed."
Another said: "This isn’t great, to be honest. Players should not be allowed to compete in fantasy sports. Clear potential for conflict of interest."
"Further evidence to back up my tweet about professional footballers playing FPL, whether they’re actually doing anything wrong or not, how can this be morally right, captaining the striker of the team you’re playing against?"
Related links:
Explore more on these topics:
Sport

Fans in disbelief at fine handed to Ronaldo over Portugal squad walkout
He has also been suspended for 30 days. Cristiano Ronaldo has learnt his punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation over the sensational decision to walk out of his nation’s Nations League camp early this month. The 41-year-old accused Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of going back on his word regarding his role in the squad, after […]
Sport
7h
The Premier League GW7: Follow all of the viral moments in our live hub
Football returns at the Hill Dickinson Stadium! Everton host Chelsea in the early kick off as the Premier League returns, with David Moyes’ Toffees aiming to remain unbeaten. At 3pm, Brentford host Liverpool, whilst Hull City travel to Fulham. Elsewhere in the North West, Man City host the recently promoted Ipswich Town, who have enjoyed […]
Sport
3 days ago
Sport
The Champions League GW2: Follow all of the viral moments in our live hub
Sport