The final day of the January transfer window threw up one of the surprises of the season in the EFL, when Bristol Rovers talisman Matty Taylor made an unexpected move to his club’s bitter rivals, Bristol City.
The Robins reportedly triggered the £300,000 release clause in the 26-year-old’s contract, and snapped up the prolific striker on a two-and-a-half year deal.
For obvious reasons, many football fans were stunned by the move, with Ipswich Town, Brentford and Wolves initially expected to battle it out for his signature before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
However, he decided to make the controversial switch to Rovers’ biggest rivals, turning his back on the club that made him who he is today.
Twitter Reacts: Taylor joins Robins
Obviously, the vast majority of Rovers fans were incensed by the move, and many took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.
In preparation to the immense backlash he surely knew he would face, the player decided to make his Twitter account private in what was probably a sensible decision from his point of view.
Twitter user and Bristol Rovers fan Dan made his feelings known, simply with a series of appropriate emojis.
https://twitter.com/_danowens/status/826460274723004417
Many other Gasheads were understandably sickened by the transfer, with the player receiving abuse from some, and the selling club also came under fire.
Unfollowed. Accept him wanting to leave, but cannot accept him going there.
— Elaine Skinner (@ElaineSkinner29) January 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jamiedyte/status/826460775950737408
WE ARE A JOKE
— Little Tory Cornflake🌽 (@AshWilson_98) January 31, 2017
absolute serpent. Dead to me 🐍
— Sam Bayliss (@Sam_Bayliss28) January 31, 2017
Neutrals sent into meltdown
Many other football fans were shocked by Taylor’s move across the city, with Twitter user JP calling the transfer the “ultimate rustle”…
Forget Brexit. Forget the US president election.
Matty Taylor from Bristol Rovers to City is the ultimate rustle. #GasMeltdown
— JP. (@JPearson94) January 31, 2017
‘Matty Taylor’ and ‘Bristol Rovers’ had been trending nationwide throughout most of the day, and the footballing world’s surprise at the move was clear to see.
When you hear reports Bristol City have triggered the release clause of Bristol Rovers top scorer Matty Taylor.
— bet365 (@bet365) January 31, 2017
Wow Matty Taylor from Bristol Rovers to Bristol City is the West Country equivalent of Carlos Tevez Utd to City! #unbelievablejeff
— Michelle Owen (@MichelleOwen7) January 31, 2017
Matty Taylor is the first player to cross the Bristol divide since 1987. #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/cPXuXLQe07
— Coral (@Coral) January 31, 2017
Rovers centre of ridicule from rival fans
Perhaps predictably, the League One side were the butt of many jokes following their announcement of the transfer.
Some people questioned the logic behind having such a low release clause on a club’s best player..
@LTFC_Dave imagine putting a 300k release clause in your best players contract
— Richard Armstrong (@habbyhatter) January 31, 2017
Many others took the opportunity simply to have a dig at their rivals, with Oxford United supporters even joining in.
Karma's a bitch ain't it? 😂 Let the meltdown commence..
— Gorrin to ‘em, f¥€k the ball (@ox_tales) January 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/jackbristolfc/status/826460463991025666
— Rob Ashworth (@Bobby_wba) January 31, 2017
AHAHAHAHA
— #OUFC (@OUFC_) January 31, 2017
— Adam Hart (@OfficialAhart) January 31, 2017
https://twitter.com/kezsajm/status/826466147121889284
@oufcoli from everyone @OUFCOfficial pmsl @Official_BRFC pic.twitter.com/1JbGzpZWyg
— James wall (@eggheadvtr123) January 31, 2017