Twitter Reacts as Lee Nelson Showers Sepp Blatter with Fake Cash

FIFA's delegates convened at their Swiss lair on Monday to set a date for the "extraordinary elective congress" that will see president Sepp Blatter vacate his position of power. The day, however, didn't quite go to plan for the Swiss executive, thanks to comedian Simon Brodkin:

Playing a character named Lee Nelson—who has also interrupted Kanye West on stage and attempted to sneak onto England's World Cup plane—Brodkin gained access to a FIFA press conference and proceeded to pour fake money over Blatter's head while announcing himself as a delegate for North Korea's 2026 World Cup bid. The result? An image that will haunt Blatter for the rest of his days and beyond: 

The Internet's finest LOL providers were soon on the case, tweeting some hip-hop inspired hilarity:

Predictably, there was also a shower of monetary gags: 

"

Do you think Blatter kept the cash?

— Ned Donovan (@Ned_Donovan) July 20, 2015"

The best jokes might have been those comparing Blatter's ambush with a session inside Richard O'Brien's Crystal Maze. Start the banter, please! 

Inevitably, there were also plenty of references to strip-club culture among the reactions:

Meanwhile, if Blatter was a chihuahua and fake money was sugary snacks...

In the aftermath, images circulated of the undignified sight of FIFA officials cleaning up the stunt money while Blatter composed himself off stage (it is not known whether the greenbacks were swept into large brown envelopes or an alternate method of containment):

Within minutes, Lee Nelson was the top trend on Twitter. Many praised the prankster for his bold stunt, but there were also a few criticising him:

"

Somebody give that comedian a medal #fifa #blatter

— Oliver Clark (@_OliClark) July 20, 2015"

"

Lee Nelson is still not funny

— sabina (@SabinaRadz) July 20, 2015"

While most were amused by the incident, some were troubled by the fact that folks were ostensibly laughing at a 79-year-old man who appears to be fearful for his safety. For this reason, Blatter found himself in the extremely rare position of earning some sympathy:

"

I feel a tiny tiny tiny bit sorry for Blatter after that incident, it looked like he was about to cry.

— Mo (@Jokerinho) July 20, 2015"

One Twitter user even suggested the stunt could work to Blatter's advantage:

Aside from being sprayed with fake cash, Blatter also used the presser to talk about salary transparency. It didn't go well, though:

"

Blatter: Salary transparency is key. Reporter: What is your salary? Blatter: [Refuses to say]

— Adam Sweeney (@AdamWSweeney) July 20, 2015"

Blatter also noted that he would like to move into the hip and happening world of broadcast radio when he finally steps down from his throne:

"

Blatter should have his own breakfast time show on Bangedup FM.

— Tom Gray (@beatledad) July 20, 2015"

Regardless of whether one believes this stunt is amusing or not, an image of Blatter has been created that may well define his image for coming generations—and no Photoshop was required. Fellow septuagenarian Sir Alex Ferguson, however, might believe that we were all lucky to escape this one with our lives: 

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