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14th August 2023
03:31pm 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?"
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