STEVENAGE gambled by slating Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho on social media – minutes BEFORE their incredible last-gasp FA Cup giant- killing.
The League Two side taunted the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker online when he was taken off as Premier League Villa led 1-0.
Philippe Coutinho was sunk by a Stevenage tweet as Prem side Aston Villa crashed out of the FA Cup to their League Two visitorsRex
Big-name Villa midfielder Coutinho was replaced by Emiliano Buendia on 66 minutes as the first of five Villa substitutionsRex
Fans waded in to warn the “embarrassing tweet” could backfire – but instead Stevenage struck twice in the final three minutes to triumph 2-1.
The minnows had posted on their official account: “66′ – Philippe Coutinho comes off. The substitution took longer than usual as they had to dig him out of Luther James-Wildin’s back pocket.”
And at first Stevenage were deluged with comments criticising their timing and judgement.
One poster said: “This is the most cringe and forced tweet I think I’ve ever seen, not to mention you’re losing.”
Similar points included: “Be cocky when you’re winning” … “you’re losing fellas” … and “Oh dear, this type of tweet does not work when you’re losing”.
Some fans, however, applauded Stevenage’s boldness.
One said: “Savagery mid game you gotta love it.”
Another added: “I hate Stevenage but that’s funny.”
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
And when the Hertfordshire outsiders pulled off their amazing turnaround success, the tone changed online too.
Fans feasted on Villa’s misfortune with jibes like: “Few people deleting tweets now” and “look at the comments hahaha”.
Some Villa fans, though, applauded Stevenage – for their victory and even for spotlighting Coutinho.”
One said: “Fair play. He was poor for us today… and last week… and last year.”
Stevenage cheekily hailed their former non-League right-back Luther James-Wildin for keeping Coutinho at bayRex