BBC commentator calls Liverpool 'champions' on MOTD, sparking conspiracy theory the Premier League is rigged

The blunder prompted fans on social media to suggest the Premier League title race has already been decided.

Liverpool narrowly beat Brighton 1-0 after Mohamed Salah converted from the spot, having been fouled by Pascal Gross in the penalty box.

The win extended the Reds’ lead over Manchester City to seven points, with the Citizens facing Wolverhampton on Monday evening.

But despite 16 Premier League games left this season, Pearce dropped a surprising line while commenting on highlights from Saturday’s game and called Jurgen Klopp's men "champions" – sparking controversy on social media.

He said: "Have they got enough, Chris Hughton’s side, to get back in it against the champions?"

Twitter users were quick to point out the commentator’s gaffe.

One, @danleydon, wrote: "Illuminati confirmed."

While baffled @thatcurlychap asked: "Champions of what?"

Another @PatrickRSouza called the Premier League title race "rigged" and @TheDivineSalM summed up: "Oops, looks like someone is commenting from the 1970s."

Liverpool topped the league table over Christmas and have the tightest defence since Jose Mourinho's title-winning Chelsea team in the 2004/05 season – making a strong case to be considered favourites to the Premier League crown.

But remembering how the Citizens brutally snatched the title away from under Manchester United’s nose with Sergio Aguero’s goal in the last minute of the 2011/12 season, Pearce’s blunder seems even more comical.

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