Barton, Fowler & more: Twitter reacts as Chelsea leave it late in Basel
Joey Barton and Robbie Fowler both tweet their thoughts after Chelsea secure a 2-1 victory over Basel in the last-four first-leg tie
David Luiz scored a late free-kick to hand Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Basel in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.
The Blues took a first-half lead through Victor Moses but Basel’s Fabian Schar levelled thanks to a controversial penalty in the 87th minute, before Luiz’s late winner.
Here is a selection of our favourite tweets from the professionals (and one comedian) in chronological order after Chelsea’s triumph in Switzerland.
Marseille midfielder Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) gives us his tips for Thursday night: “Over 2.5 in Basel/Chelsea and a draw in Istanbul. Single bets only.”
Former Bradford boss Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) clears up the confusion over Chelsea’s opener: “Just seen the replay and it was Moses with the final touch for Chelsea.”
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) has seen enough and switches over: “Can’t see Chelsea losing this (both legs) so going to give 129 a go (Sky Arts)!”
Ex-England cricket captain Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) reckons Luiz is guilty of a more violent act than Luis Suárez: “That challenge from Luiz is more threatening than a bite IMO…”
Former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright (@Mark__Bright) can’t believe the spot-kick decision: “The referee is the only one in the stadium who thought that was a penalty #shocker #cfc #Basle #europaleague”
Reading striker Noel Hunt (@boyhunt) agrees with Bright: “What has the referee seen there giving that peno!!!! Did his guide dog give that decision!!!? #strange”
Boxer and Chelsea fan George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) has better hands than the Basel goalkeeper as Luiz nets the winner: “That’s a touch!”
Republic of Ireland international Keith Fahey (@Keith_Fahey) is shocked by the goalkeeper’s attempt at a save: “Basel goalie swimming across the goal for that!”
No-one is safe from Hunt (@boyhunt) tonight: “Credit to the Basel goalkeeper for sticking the ball into the back of the net! A cool finish from him to put Chelsea 2-1 up on the night!!”
And Kamara (@chris_kammy) isn’t too impressed either with the goalkeeper either: “Luiz with the winner for Chelsea, the Basel goalkeeper has chocolate wrists 1-2 all over, time to go and see my beloved, if she is here!”
Finally, comedian Kevin Bridges (@kevinbridges86) has the final say: “Nothing the keeper could have done there, you just don’t save them. Lucky to catch it on the way back out. Wow!”
