After the game, the front-page headlines of several United Kingdom media seemed to have been arranged:
"Daily Mail": "Two penalty kicks in 23 minutes, is this an accident or an arrangement?"
"The Sun": "Sky Sports commentator Rob Hawthorne was fired because of a question. Who is afraid of the truth?"
"The Guardian": "Manchester United came back to win the championship, but the referee's whistle was the highlight of the game."
"The Times" is relatively restrained. The front page reads "Zhang Kuang senior helps Manchester United reach the top spot seven rounds ahead of schedule." However, the subtitle couldn't help but add, "The two penalty kicks in the first half caused huge controversy."
Sky Sports's official announcement was sent half an hour after the game. "Rob Hawthorn has been fired during halftime. His personal remarks do not represent the position of Sky Sports. We adhere to the principle of objective and fair reporting and will not participate in any unconfirmed speculation."
Under this announcement, tens of thousands of messages have been piled up in the comment area.
Some people scolded him for "covering his ears and stealing the bell", some sneered, "I'm so anxious", and some people rationally analyzed that "the commentator really shouldn't set the rhythm in the live broadcast."
"..."
In addition to the controversy caused by the referee giving two penalty kicks in 23 minutes, Rooney celebrated after scoring a goal and cursed, Zhang Kuang made a big four, and English Football Association issued an announcement. There is no conspiracy to prevent Manchester United from winning the championship. The beautiful fans wearing the No. 33 Manchester United jersey that frequently appear in the camera during this game are also points of great concern to fans and public opinion.
This game can be said to be full of attractions, and you will be able to eat melons for days.
But what really pushed this public opinion storm to a climax was what Maradona and Pelé said in interviews the next day.
Maradona was asked about Manchester United's victory in the Argentina TV program. He leaned on the sofa and took a puff of a cigar:
"Zhang Kuang? Oh, I watched that game. In the first half, he was trailing 2-0 and he carried the team back alone.
To be honest, I haven't seen many players with this kind of ability. Messi If he had his mentality of playing against the wind...Brazil World Cup Maybe we can win the championship."
The host quickly interrupted, "Are you saying that Messi is not as good as him?"
Maradona blew out the smoke. "That's not what I meant. What I meant was that Messi should learn from Zhang Kuang's performance in adversity. When the team encounters difficulties, he has to stand up bravely. This is the responsibility of a football superstar."
This interview was translated into various languages and spread all over the Internet. The most direct one was that the Messi fans over at Argentina immediately exploded, followed by the Messi fans around the world.
"Zhang Kuang is Zhang Kuang, Messi is Messi. Zhang Kuang is just a reckless man. He is not even qualified to carry Messi's shoes. What Maradona said is very inappropriate!"
"Yes, that's right. Why should Zhang Kuang be compared with Messi? Messi is the most beautiful elf. He plays beautiful football. Every time he handles the ball, It's art, what does Zhang Kuang do? Apart from dashing, smashing, or shooting, except for some people who only know how strong the power feels, no one who likes art will like Zhang Kuang."
"That's right, what's the use of rushing, rushing, rushing, fierce, fierce, fierce? Only some big, fierce, big-assed and vulgar women like this. Men with some talent like Messi."
"I hate such comparisons, especially comments made by someone like Maradona. Maradona really disappoints me."
"Yes, I don't accept such remarks either. Messi shouldn't be asked to ask too much, and he shouldn't be asked to be as reckless as Zhang Kuang. He is who he is."
"Yes..."
Pelé also mentioned Zhang Kuang in an interview with Brazil media. "Zhang Kuang represents another kind of football culture. South America players are too relaxed and lazy. They don't know how to play when the ball is against the wind.
Zhang Kuang is different. He is tough, solid and never admits defeat. This is the combination of Europe football and Asia football. South America players should learn from him."
The two football champions expressed their opinions one after another, and the Messi fans became even more angry.
Under Zhang Kuang's social account, tens of thousands of comments flooded in overnight.
Some people scolded them in Spain, "Why are you comparing yourself to Messi?" Some people mocked in English, "You dare to be the world champion after playing well for half a season." Others shouted in Chinese, "Zhang Kuang, come on, ignore them."
Fans of Zhang Kuang were confused at first, and became angry after figuring out the cause and effect.
An account named "Brother Kuang's Diehard Fan" posted a long message: "Zhang Kuang has never said that he is better than Messi, and has never stepped on any player."
Why should Zhang Kuang be blamed for what Maradona and Pelé said? You want to scold Maradona! Besides, what they said is right, everyone has shortcomings, shouldn't we learn from each other?
Messi can learn from Zhang Kuang's 'spirit of adversity', and Zhang Kuang can also learn from Messi's football art. No one is perfect, can't we say that we can learn from each other? Saying so is blasphemy to Messi? You Messi fans... are so special!"
This post has been shared tens of thousands of times.
In the comment area, Messi fans and Zhang Kuang fans were arguing, and there were also emoticons of Cristiano Ronaldo fans watching the fun and not taking it too seriously.
In short, Messi fans completely hate Zhang Kuang. Before, they were just jealous of Zhang Kuang's information, but this time they feel that Zhang Kuang is Messi's super enemy, so they want to trample Zhang Kuang to death.
Unfortunately, Messi fans overestimated their own power, because Zhang Kuang has more fans, and the two waves of people instantly launched a big fight with no blind spots and no differences on the Internet.
First, some people rationally compared Zhang Kuang and Messi's information, ball handling level, technology, etc., but soon some people turned from rational comparison to scolding.
Then he changed from swearing to making fun of the opponent's appearance on the court, and then started directly spreading rumors via photoshopped pictures.
Finally, some fans started writing songs to curse each other...
But overnight, this battle between the two sides has shocked all media people, the football world and non-fan groups.
In fact, these two groups have fans in every aspect of society in various countries, and they are opposed to each other.
Another hot topic, "Who is that beautiful fan who appeared in the camera at least five times?" also became silent and was completely diverted by the two groups of fans scolding each other.
--
Zhang Kuang naturally didn't know these things. Originally, they would compete at London a few days later, but the bus still took them back to Manchester.
It was almost ten o'clock in the evening when Zhang Kuang returned to Manchester from London.
He didn't expect that Britain Study-Abroad Squad would bring him a surprise, that is, a beautiful fan who was on the court during the game came. This beauty must also be a member of Britain Study-Abroad Squad.
She is an international student from Imperial College London, her name is Constanza Ferreira Ruiz, she is from Argentina, her family is well off, and she is a descendant of an old manor family.
I don't need to go into details about anything else, right? It's just like butter being thrown into an extrusion device, not only milk but also oil is squeezed out.
Zhang Kuang immediately entered the state of cultivation. If you don't practice at this time, when will you practice?
The next day, he planned to stay in the hotel and practice hard for a day, but his phone was woken up by his manager because there were many reporters clamoring to interview him. The reason was that his fans and Messi fans had a huge quarrel on the Internet.
Zhang Kuang After learning about the details, everyone was shocked. Can this also cause a quarrel?
No, is there a problem with Maradona and Pelé?
Are these Messi fans too sensitive?
Zhang Kuang: "Do you think it is necessary for me to speak out in the media? Has Messi spoken out in the media?"
He asked Jonathan on the phone.
Jonathan: "I haven't seen him speak out so far. I don't think you should speak out in the media. Once you speak out, it means that you, the rightful owner, have also come to an end. It will be more difficult then, but you must know this."
Zhang Kuang thought about it and agreed to Jonathan's suggestion. This matter is really difficult to handle.
If he is dismissed, what should he say? Support Maradona and Pelé? Doesn't that directly indicate that he wants to oppose Messi? So far, the two of them have no intersection and no conflict of interest. The only potential conflict is the selection of Ballon d'Or in the future.
If he ends up blindly suing for peace, speaking nice words, and making Messi fans angry, what will his fans think? The fans didn't kneel down, but you, the real owner, softened first?
Isn't this like those dogs in 2026? They brag about their master every day, but the master gives in to China first. What have they become?
After much deliberation, it's better not to end up in the end. Whatever the fans, just pretend they don't know.
But the reporters did not let him go. He had to go out on April 4 because he had to go back to the base to participate in training, so they only had one day off.
So he was blocked by reporters at the hotel entrance.
Reporter: "Zhang, did you rest well after your vacation yesterday? Can you continue to score goals on the field?"
Zhang Kuang: "Of course, I can continue to score goals on the field even if I don't rest."
Reporter: "Zhang, have you checked social media? Your fans are quarreling with fans of Messi. What do you think?"
Zhang Kuang rolled his eyes at the reporter.
"I won't comment on this. I'm just a player. I'm responsible for scoring goals on the field. I don't pay attention to anything else. Sorry, I have to go to work. Goodbye."
After Zhang Kuang finished speaking, he threw away the reporter, got in the car and drove away.
The reporter couldn't find any useful remarks and stomped his feet angrily.
English Football Association issued an official announcement on the afternoon of April 4: "We have noticed the recent discussion about referee penalties. English Football Association has never interfered and will never interfere with the results of any game.
All referees' decisions are based on real-time judgment on the field, and any "conspiracy theory" is irresponsible speculation. We have never stopped any team from winning the championship. Finally, congratulations to Manchester United for winning the championship in the 2010-11 season Premier League!"
After this announcement was issued, there was another round of quarrel in the comment area.
Someone took a screenshot of the news that Sky Sports fired Rob, with the text "Then can you explain why you fired the person who told the truth?"
Someone dug up the penalty record of the English Football Association in the past five years and said, "You don't interfere with the referee? What about the penalty against Atkinson last season?"
"..."
Almost all celebrities in the British China national football team world were involved.
Alain·Shearer said on the BBC's post-match commentary program "Premier League Highlights": "I have been a professional football commentator for more than ten years, and I have seen referees in all kinds of games.
Of the two penalty kicks in the first half of this game, the first one was fine, as Evra did handball it. The second one, Vidić's action, was a foul on the penalty area line, so the penalty kick was justified.
The problem is: This kind of intense confrontation occurs in every round of Premier League. Why was it called twice this time? I'm not saying there's something wrong with the referee, I'm just saying there are too many coincidences."
Carragher wrote in the column of "Daily Mail": "Manchester United deserves to win the championship. Their performance throughout the season has crushed the other nineteen teams.
But the controversy in this game will not disappear just because Manchester United won. The referee gave two consecutive penalty kicks. This is a fact.
Rob was fired for mentioning a 'conspiracy theory', which is also true. English Football Association said they did not interfere in the game, I believe it. But, you have to let people talk, right?"
Even Klopp, who is far away from Germany, was asked by reporters.
Coach Borussia Dortmund scratched his head. "I didn't watch that game. You United Kingdom people are really... you have to argue about this after winning the championship. Zhang Kuang scored four goals, is this the point?"
After the training session on the 4th, Ferguson called everyone to the locker room for a short meeting.
The theme of the meeting is very simple: UEFA Champions League will face Chelsea in the quarterfinals away from home. Don't let Premier League win the championship and get carried away.
"Chelsea didn't play well in the league this year, but they UEFA Champions League have always been a mad dog."
Ferguson chewed gum and glanced at a circle of players.
"Ancelotti's coaching position is unstable and he will work hard at home. You have to remember: an away goal in the first round is more important than anything else. If we get an away goal, we will have the initiative back to Old Trafford."
After he finished speaking, he glanced at Zhang Kuang specifically. "Stop browsing those social networks recently and concentrate on preparing for the game. Also, remember, don't get involved in the scolding war between fans."
Zhang Kuang nodded.
He knew in his heart that the storm of public opinion was still blowing outside, but now he had to turn his attention back to the court.
UEFA Champions League, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge.
This is the hardest battle he will fight next.
The scolding war continues in public opinion outside, about Rob being fired, about the Football Association conspiracy theories, about Zhang Kuang and Messi fans scolding each other...
Zhang Kuang ignored this and tried his best to avoid the reporters. Manchester United's teammates also kept their mouths shut when the reporters blocked them.
April 5, London Stamford Bridge.
Italy man Ancelotti is sitting in the press hall of Stamford Bridge, his expression looks really relaxed.
He talked to reporters. "It seems destined to meet Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League knockout round. The outside world thinks that this game will determine my coaching future, but I am not nervous at all."
He paused for a moment after saying this, as if he didn't think it was true.
"We are confident that we will win the first round advantage at home. Manchester United only has one Zhang Kuang, but we have a strike combination of Drogba and Torres. As long as we perform normally, we can definitely defeat Manchester United."
A reporter asked, "What if the result of this game is not ideal?"
Ancelotti shrugged. "Even if the result of this game is not ideal, we can still play offensive football in the second round to Manchester and change the outcome. UEFA Champions League The knockout round is a two-round contest, not a decisive game."
"..."
At Manchester United's pre-match press conference, almost all the reporters' questions were directed at Zhang Kuang.
A reporter asked Ferguson: "Sir, what do you think about the quarrel between Zhang Kuang fans and Messi fans these days? Also, what do you think about Maradona and Pelé?"
Ferguson: "I don't care about the fans scolding each other. As for Maradona and Pelé, is there any problem? As a senior or as a team coach, tell the players what shortcomings you need to make up for and who you can learn from. What's the problem with this? Can't coaches give guiding suggestions to players? I don't understand what's wrong with this society."
Reporter: "So you mean the fans of Zhang Kuang are not wrong? The fans of Messi are wrong?"
Ferguson: "I don't care about these. I only express my opinions on what Maradona and Pelé said. Please ask some questions about this game. Don't ask other questions."
Reporter: "What do you think of Chelsea's performance this season? They have no hope of winning the league now. Will they fight for UEFA Champions League? Will there be any pressure on Manchester United?"
Ferguson chewed gum. "Yes, I'm sorry, we took away the league championship early. Chelsea can only change the goal. There is no doubt that Chelsea's strength is a strong contender for UEFA Champions League."
They have enough players in the midfield to suppress us, but..."
He paused and suddenly smiled, "Can Zhang Kuang be restricted by just having a large number of people? I believe in the ability of superstars.
Getting an away goal in the first round is a huge success. We will use smart midfield operations to limit Chelsea's offense."
The reporter asked, "Ancelotti said before that he was not nervous at all. Do you believe it?"
Ferguson narrowed his eyes. "He's not nervous? That's best. Nervous people tend to make mistakes."
The captains of both sides also expressed their opinions.
Vidić said, "We must conquer Stamford Bridge. Regardless of the previous record against Chelsea, our goal in the knockout round of UEFA Champions League is only to score."
Terry's response was more direct. "We will let them remember at home that Stamford Bridge is not here for a walk."
On April 6, 2011, in the evening of London in early April, a layer of mist floated on the surface of River Thames.
The blue neon lights on the outer wall of the Stamford Bridge stadium have been lit up, dyeing the entire Fulham Road into a faint blue.
All 37,915 seats were filled, and blue and white flags were spread from the Matthew Harding Stand to the West Stand, with a small patch of red in the middle: Three thousand Manchester United expeditionary troops crowded into the corner of the visiting team's stand, like a cluster of flames in the blue ocean.
When Zhang Kuang came out of the tunnel to warm up, he looked up at the visiting team's stand.
He saw Constanza at a glance.
She was sitting in the second row, wearing the No. 33 jersey, with her braids hanging on her shoulders, smiling at him.
Zhang Kuang lowered his head and smiled, then continued running towards the half court to stretch.
In the broadcast room of Sky Sports, the light shines on two faces.
Martin·Tyler is sitting in the main seat, looking down at the starting list. The new partner sitting next to him is Gary·Neville, the former Manchester United captain and one of the greatest right backs in Premier League history. He just officially retired in February and sat in the broadcast room in April.
Tyler glanced sideways at Neville: "Gary, to be honest, it's only been two months since you retired and you're sitting here commentating on Manchester United's UEFA Champions League knockout match. How does it feel?"