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Abramovich made Chelsea boss and Liverpool hero joins Everton: Football's top April Fool's
April Fools Day is enjoyed by many across the globe and football clubs are not afraid to get in on the act.
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April Fool’s Day is enjoyed by many as they try to get one over on their friends and family by pulling pranks by 12pm. Football clubs are no different with directors, managers and social media admins taking advantage to gain a cheap laugh at fans' expense. Here Express Sport looks back at some of football’s best April Fool jokes as we celebrate the start of the fourth month of 2023.
Roman Abramovich makes himself Chelsea boss
Abramovich had such a reputation for hiring and firing managers that it actually was somewhat plausible that he would simply hire himself for the position. TalkSPORT attempted to persuade viewers exactly that had happened in 2013 during Rafael Benitez’s unpopular stint as interim manager.
The broadcaster suggested the Russian had undertaken his coaching badges and even managed to get the late Gianni Vialli on board as the former Blues boss commented on the situation and sent his best wishes in the video.
A talkSPORT reporter baited Chelsea fans with the news outside Stamford Bridge with many giving serious and measured takes on the faked situation.
Ian Rush joins Everton
In the 1980s Liverpool and Everton went head-to-head for major trophies but Ian Rush often proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Popular football magazine Shoot decided to tap into Rush’s reputation on the front page of their copy on April 1st 1989, with the Welshman pictured in an Everton top with the implication he was set to make the move across Merseyside.
Unsurprisingly it was nothing more than a joke but fans had to turn to page seven to have that confirmed.
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Rio Ferdinand takes Manchester United job
In other managerial news, Rio Ferdinand pranked his followers by suggesting he was set to take on the top role at Old Trafford from Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman appeared to be on his way out at the time and the former United defender suggested he would be next.
Ferdinand posted a picture of himself looking across the Old Trafford pitch on Twitter in 2016, with the caption: “New Chapter.. Contract signed.. Looking forward to going into management in June. Big summer ahead!”
In the end, Jose Mourinho took the job instead with Ferdinand continuing his career as a television pundit.
Grandstand fight
In now infamous footage, Des Lynam introduced the BBC’s flagship sports show Grandstand as two producers started fighting in the background. The legendary presenter could be seen trying to contain his laughter as his colleagues piled in trying to split them up, making it appear that a mass brawl had occurred.
The truth was of course quite different as it was little more than an April Fool stunt.
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Fulham shirt numbers
Shirt numbers are always a topic that gets fans talking and Fulham tried to play a prank on their own supporters in 2019 by suggesting their single-digit players would start wearing zeros ahead of their number.
The sight of Aleksandar Mitrovic holding up the No 09 shirt was a horrible eyesore and it is no surprise that fans did not want to see them enter the pitch.
Naby Shark
I’m sure we all have the misfortune of remembering the song ‘Baby Shark’, the repetitive kids' song that went viral in 2019. Well Charlton Athletic went one step further releasing their own version on April Fools Day about their centre-back Naby Sarr.
The defender’s name was switched into the song in place of the words relating to the sharks and the results were quite something. Certainly one of the more unusual April Fool jokes…
������ The track is a remix of the worldwide phenomenon 'Baby Shark' with 'Naby Sarr' becoming the focus of the song's lyrics.
— Charlton Athletic FC (@CAFCofficial) April 1, 2019
Supporters can hear a sample of the track before its release on Friday right here ������ #cafc pic.twitter.com/ferg9ILFma