Unified comments from English football fans criticized the Carabao Cup quarterfinal draw, accusing it of being fixed to favor Manchester City after the draw results were announced.
On 29 Oct 2026 GMT+7, The Sun, a leading UK media outlet, compiled social media reactions from fans following the 2026-27 Carabao Cup quarterfinal draw, which resulted as follows:
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Manchester City vs Bradford
Fleetwood Town vs Everton or Newcastle
After the draw, some fans expressed dissatisfaction, accusing without evidence that Manchester City's draw against Bradford, a League One team, was proof the draw was fixed to benefit them.
One fan posted on X, "City deserves an additional 115 charges just for fixing the League Cup draw alone."
Several Liverpool fans said, "This EFL Cup is clearly fixed" and "Obviously, they don't want Manchester City to face us."
Another fan said, "Nonsense, the draw is clearly fixed to favor Manchester City."
One more remarked, "Really surprised... The draw and the competition are all fixed—Manchester City always meets lower league teams. 114 (the number of charges against Manchester City for Premier League financial rules violations)."
Another added, "Of course, Manchester City got Bradford at home... This draw isn’t fixed at all."
However, none of the fans accusing the draw of being fixed to benefit Manchester City provided any evidence to support their baseless claims.
The draw, broadcast live on Sky Sports, showed no signs of manipulation as all balls were mixed together in front of thousands of spectators before being drawn by Conor Coady and Graeme Le Saux.
Nonetheless, the draw appears favorable for Manchester City’s title defense, giving them the best chance to pursue a record 10th Carabao Cup title, equaling Liverpool.