Champions League Draw Controversy As Manchester United Appeared To Be Placed In Wrong Pot

There was huge controversy in the Champions League round of 16 draw this morning as Manchester United appeared to be placed in the wrong pot.

At the official ceremony in Nyon, Switzerland, Villarreal's name was drawn and then former Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin picked out United's ball in scenes that were massively confusing for viewers watching.

Rules stipulate that the two sides could not face one another as they had already competed in the same group, with United finishing top and Villarreal coming second.

Mass panic ensued, the ball was taken away and the draw moved on. Villarreal were then drawn against United's rivals Manchester City, before the Red Devils were paired with Paris Saint-Germain for an on-pitch reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

What's more, it appears as though United were not put in the bowl to draw Atletico Madrid despite there being no permutations preventing them.

And the events prompted reactions aplenty on social media, with some calling for the draw to be redone.

UEFA have since confirmed they will redo the draw at 2pm after the controversy following a series of complaints lodged by the clubs involved.

Liverpool were drawn against Red Salzburg, with Chelsea taking on French champions Lille in the first knockout round.

Benfica will play Real Madrid, while Atletico square off against Bayern Munich after sneaking into the round of 16.

Here is the draw in full:

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Villarreal vs Manchester City

Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Red Bull Salzburg vs Liverpool

Inter Milan vs Ajax

Sporting vs Juventus

Chelsea vs Lille

PSG vs Manchester United

First legs will be played on 15 or 16 and 22 or 23 February, with the second lot of fixtures taking place on 8 or 9 and 15 or 16 March.

The away goal will not be in play this season, meaning ties go to extra time if not decided in 180 minutes.

Featured Image Credit: Image: BT Sport

Topics: Manchester United, Villarreal, Champions League, UEFA

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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