The April Fools' Football Stories That Managed to Catch Fans out on Twitter

A cursory glance at the daily transfer gossip columns informs us that the national press have no shame in publishing stories that are somewhat lacking in truth. This mantra is amplified on the morning of April 1, when publications up and down the country try to catch their readers out with outrageous false stories.

Sometimes, they fail to reel in the gullible punters. This year, for example, very few fans bought into the Daily Star's Wayne Rooney tattoo exclusive or the Mirror's claim that football is going to hell in a handcart with the invention of "selfie hotspots." 

However, several April Fools' stories did manage to catch a few folks out—folks who were willing to give their opinions on Twitter.  

Arsenal got the proverbial ball rolling with a nicely crafted video focussing on their innovative left-footed football...

Apparently, more than a few fans were taken in by this spherical slyness.

"

they made a left footed football.....what....

— Rei Kono (@Kono96) April 1, 2015"

Elsewhere, at the Emirates, the folks at Purely Football claimed Gunnersaurus was set to move to Turkish club Bursaspor.

Some seemed to be under the belief that the Gunners mascot would become extinct in north London.

The Sun, meanwhile, claimed Louis Van Gaal was basing his squad selections on his players' star signs.

This astrological revelation caught out at least one Twitter user.

Metro put their finest Photoshop team on the case of making readers believe Usain Bolt was joining Manchester United on a short-term contract.

Some were impressed by the Red Devils' pacey new addition.

"

Usain Bolt might sign a contract to play for Uniteds Reserves #wow

— Chad_Ocho (@Grupel08) April 1, 2015"

The Daily Mail ran an exclusive that told us the pre-match team talks from Arsenal's clash with Liverpool would be broadcast live.

This vaguely believable story seemed to catch out football fans in their droves.

"

This is a terrible idea... http://t.co/L3anGjL8yb

— Habib (@hbibkrim) April 1, 2015"

"

This is gonna be sick! http://t.co/b2pxdt6SQO

— Akshay Shukla (@Akshay_193) April 1, 2015"

And The Telegraph were also on form when they told readers that Qatar were set to be offered a place at Euro 2020.

This unlikely faux news seemed to rile up the anti-Blatter brigade.

"

So Qatar could be at Euro 2020? Lol. FIFA is just another PDP.

— OLORUN WA. ESU MO (@Samjadinero) April 1, 2015"

"

Qatar to be awarded a euro 2020 spot, I think Blatters had another brown envelope! it's time he went. #bonkers

— Anton Martin (@AntonMartin1970) April 1, 2015"

Evidently, there are many fans out there who would be advised to check the date before they tweet.