BBC commentator calls Liverpool 'champions' on MOTD, sparking conspiracy theory the Premier League is rigged

Posted Monday, January 14, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce called Liverpool "champions" on Saturday's Match of the Day, sparking conspiracy theories that the Premier League is "rigged".

The blunder prompted fans on social media to suggest the Premier League title race has already been decided.

BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce called Liverpool 'champions' on Saturday's Match of the Day, sparking conspiracy theories on social media

Liverpool narrowly beat Brighton 1-0 after Mohamed Salah converted from the spot, having been fouled by Pascal Gross in the penalty box.

The win extended the Reds' lead over Manchester City to seven points, with the Citizens facing Wolverhampton on Monday evening.

But despite 16 Premier League games left this season, Pearce dropped a surprising line while commenting on highlights from Saturday's game and called Jurgen Klopp's men "champions" - sparking controversy on social media.

He said: "Have they got enough, Chris Hughton's side, to get back in it against the champions?"

BBC commentator calls Liverpool 'champions' on MOTD, sparking conspiracy theory the Premier League is rigged
Reds narrowly beat Brighton 1-0 on Saturday extending their lead over Man City to seven points

Twitter users were quick to point out the commentator's gaffe.

One, @danleydon, wrote: "Illuminati confirmed."

While baffled @thatcurlychap asked: "Champions of what?"

Another @PatrickRSouza called the Premier League title race "rigged" and @TheDivineSalM summed up: "Oops, looks like someone is commenting from the 1970s."

Rigged
— Patrick Souza (@PatrickRSouza) January 13, 2019

BBC commentator calls Liverpool 'champions' on MOTD, sparking conspiracy theory the Premier League is rigged
Liverpool's defence, led by Virgil Van Dijk, is the tightest since Chelsea's title-winning team in the 2004/05 season

Liverpool topped the league table over Christmas and have the tightest defence since Jose Mourinho's title-winning Chelsea team in the 2004/05 season - making a strong case to be considered favourites to the Premier League crown.

But remembering how the Citizens brutally snatched the title away from under Manchester United's nose with Sergio Aguero's goal in the last minute of the 2011/12 season, Pearce's blunder seems even more comical.