Is Leandro Trossard’s brother refereeing Arsenal against Porto tonight?
That’s the playful conspiracy theory tearing its way through social media, as fans believe that designated referee Clement Turpin is a spitting image of the Arsenal man.
The Gunners host Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit and supporters think they will have a special brotherly advantage.
Just for the record, Trossard and Turpin are not related.
Beyond the fact they have two eyes, two ears, a nose, a mouth, and hair, Mail Sport doesn’t see great resemblance – but a sect of social media surfers see things differently.
Fans are joking that Arsenal’s referee against Porto, Clement Turpin, looks like Leandro Trossard
‘Looks more like Trossard than Trossard,’ wrote one fan on X, formerly Twitter, after learning that Turpin would officiate the match.
‘There is no way Arsenal is losing to Porto because Trossard’s brother will be the referee,’ claimed another.
‘Trossard’s brother! Get in!’ wrote an Arsenal fan account upon seeing the announcement.
‘Trossard’s Elder brother Clement Turpin Trossard is the Referee for today’s match. Pray for Porto,’ said another.
‘Ain’t no way, Trossard’s twin brother Turpin. Let’sssss goooooo!!!’ commented another.
‘Nobody has seen these two in the same room,’ claimed another, advancing the fringe view that they are not merely brothers but in fact the same person.
Arsenal were crestfallen after losing to a 94th-minute stunner from Galeno in Porto in February.
Arsenal are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit, having slipped to defeat in Porto in February
Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t even manage a shot on target against the Portuguese side and looking a shadow of their usual selves.
However, a run of eight consecutive league wins, with 33 goals scored and only four conceded in that time, have given them hope – even if the referee isn’t actually Trossard’s brother.
