Football supporters have taken to social media platforms claiming manipulation of the Champions League league phase draw after a computer system produced several high-profile homecoming fixtures.
The automated selection process, designed to ensure fairness whilst avoiding scheduling conflicts, has generated multiple matches featuring players returning to face their previous clubs.
These coincidental pairings have prompted widespread speculation amongst supporters online, with many questioning whether the supposedly random draw was genuinely impartial.
One supporter posted on X: "TAA playing Liverpool and KDB vs City. Tell me that's not rigged."
Trent Alexander Arnold will be returning to Anfield in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere
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The fixture list includes several emotionally charged encounters that have fuelled conspiracy theories across various fan communities.
Supporters have particularly highlighted the concentration of former players facing their old teams as evidence of potential interference in the draw process.
JUST IN: George Russell accuses Lewis Hamilton of speaking 'absolute nonsense' ahead of Dutch Grand PrixAnother user expressed similar doubts, writing: "Trent at Anfield, KDB at City, Berta derby. Rigged thoughts!?"
A Liverpool supporter drew connections between multiple transfers, claiming: "They 100% rigged it to have Trent return to Anfield and Hugo to return to Frankfurt. Ffs"
The concentration of former players facing their previous clubs became a focal point for conspiracy theories amongst various supporter groups online.
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Kevin De Bruyne will be returning to the Etihad
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Real Madrid's visit to Anfield will see Trent Alexander-Arnold face his former club after departing Liverpool when his contract expired, a move that created significant tension with supporters.
The right-back's acrimonious exit makes his return particularly charged, adding another layer to an already prestigious European fixture.
Manchester City will welcome Kevin De Bruyne back to the Etihad Stadium as the Belgian midfielder arrives with his new club Napoli.
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Unlike Alexander-Arnold's departure, the 34-year-old left City on amicable terms after spending ten years at the club, though the reunion promises to be an emotional occasion.
Both fixtures have become lightning rods for supporters convinced the draw was manipulated to create compelling storylines.
The draw also paired Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane against Arsenal, bringing the former Tottenham Hotspur icon back to north London to face his old club's fierce rivals.
Hugo Ekitike will also be returning to Frankfurt
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Liverpool's fixture list includes another reunion with Atletico Madrid, marking their third encounter in six campaigns.
The Spanish side memorably eliminated Liverpool from the 2019/20 knockout stages after a dramatic extra-time victory at Anfield, creating one of the competition's most thrilling recent matches.
Hugo Ekitike will also return to Eintracht Frankfurt following his summer transfer, adding to the list of homecoming fixtures that have convinced supporters the draw was orchestrated rather than randomised.