After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The media storm that Barcelona stirred up failed to completely overwhelm Arsenal and Yan Yuan as expected.

Instead, it sparked a stronger and more united backlash from north London.

At the other end of the storm, at the Colney training ground and Arsenal headquarters, a powerful counterattack is brewing that could shake UEFA.

Less than 24 hours after the official statement from Barcelona was released.

Arsenal Football Club simultaneously released a strongly worded, logically sound, and more direct official statement on its official website and social media platforms:

Arsenal Football Club's solemn statement regarding the Champions League refereeing decisions and subsequent events.

Arsenal Football Club has taken note of the false accusations and malicious statements made by Barcelona Football Club against our player Yan Yuan.

This statement disregards the facts, deliberately distorts the truth of the match, and attempts to influence UEFA's fair ruling through public pressure. Its actions are regrettable and unacceptable.

Regarding the red card incident in the match, the UEFA-appointed referee and VAR system have made a clear ruling: Barcelona player Gerard Piqué's flying tackle, with his studs showing, was aimed directly at our player Yan Yuan's supporting ankle. This was an extremely dangerous move that could have caused serious injury and was an indisputable red card offense!

Yan Yuan's physical reactions while running at high speed to avoid this malicious foul, including his landing movements, were natural protective actions during the violation. The referee's decision not to penalize him was entirely correct!

Not only did Barcelona ignore the egregious nature of Pique's behavior, they also distorted the truth and slandered our players as "perpetrators."

Furthermore, by using their influence to incite fans worldwide to engage in cyberbullying and personal attacks against our club and players, even extending to the players' innocent families, such actions have seriously crossed the line and trampled on the spirit of sports and social morality!

"Based on the above facts, and in order to uphold fairness and justice in football, Arsenal Football Club hereby takes the following actions:"

1. We have formally submitted a review application to UEFA's Disciplinary Committee! We demand that UEFA re-examine all the details of Pique's red card foul, as the malice and danger of his action far exceed what a red card can encompass!

We urge UEFA to consider imposing an additional ban on Pique as a deterrent!

2. We firmly defend player Yan Yuan. Yan Yuan is a key player for Arsenal, and his professionalism, skills, and character are evident to all. The club will utilize all legal and media means to protect his reputation and counter all false accusations and malicious slander!

3. We urge UEFA to thoroughly investigate the extreme behavior of Barcelona fans. Given the egregious nature of the attack on the players' families, we demand that UEFA, in accordance with its regulations, investigate and potentially punish Barcelona for its failure to effectively control fan behavior!

Arsenal Football Club always upholds fair play and condemns any form of violence and misconduct.

We firmly believe that UEFA will uphold fairness, reject Barcelona's unreasonable accusations, and make a due ruling on Pique's dangerous actions and their subsequent negative impact! We will not succumb to any form of pressure or slander!

This statement was like a precise and powerful punch, striking Barcelona squarely in the face.

Arsenal not only stood their ground but also denied all allegations.

They even turned defense into offense, directly filing a countersuit against Barcelona and demanding that UEFA impose additional penalties on Pique.

Its tough stance and clear logic instantly won widespread attention and support from neutral fans and media around the world.

What caught Barcelona off guard was...

The English Football Association has also intervened forcefully!

FA Chairman Greg made a rare public statement:

The Football Association is closely monitoring the recent events surrounding Arsenal player Yan Yuan, an outstanding talent nurtured by English football and a gem of British football.

His talent, hard work, and contributions to the game are undeniable. We firmly support Arsenal's position and believe UEFA's initial decision was fair.

We strongly condemn the malicious attacks and defamation against Yan Yuan and his family by FC Barcelona and some of its fans that go beyond the scope of sportsmanship!

This behavior is unacceptable! The FA will fully support Yan Yuan and Arsenal in protecting their legitimate rights. We have formally written to UEFA expressing our support for a fair ruling and emphasizing the need to protect players from undue harm both on and off the pitch.

Furthermore, the FA will provide Yan Yuan and his family with all necessary legal assistance and support to deal with any potential legal disputes or online harassment. English football stands firmly behind our player!

The FA's statement carries significant weight.

This is not only support for Arsenal, but also a defense of the dignity of English football as a whole.

Yan Yuan, as one of the most dazzling homegrown stars in English football in recent years, carries the expectations of the entire nation.

The FA's move is both an attempt to protect its own and a declaration to UEFA and the world of football:

England's top team cannot be insulted!

More than a dozen English newspapers, including The Daily Mirror and The Sun, immediately followed suit, with their front-page headlines full of inflammatory rhetoric.

"When you show your cleats, you should expect severe punishment!"

"Arsenal demand severe punishment for the violence perpetrated by Barcelona fans!"

"The Catalan spoiled brat can't accept defeat, so he only tries to get support from the sidelines by crying."

……

Now, it's UEFA's turn to have a headache.

UEFA is under immense pressure, caught between two giants and the football associations of football powerhouses.

After both sides submitted detailed evidence and held multiple rounds of informal communication, UEFA's Disciplinary Committee finally announced its review results:

"Following a comprehensive review of FC Barcelona's appeal and Arsenal's application for review, and after a re-examination of the match footage (including all VAR angles), the UEFA Disciplinary Committee has made the following ruling:"

1. The referee's decision to send Gerard Pique off with a red card is upheld. Pique's action was deemed a serious foul, and the red card was correct.

2. Regarding Arsenal player Yan Yuan's actions in the incident, the Disciplinary Committee believes that the existing evidence is insufficient to prove that he intentionally caused harm or committed acts of violence. The action was considered a natural reaction or a result of physical imbalance during the foul. Therefore, no further punishment will be imposed.

3. Regarding Arsenal's request for additional punishment for Pique, the Disciplinary Committee believes that the red card was already an appropriate punishment for the foul and that no further suspension was necessary.

4. UEFA strongly condemns all forms of stadium violence and cyberbullying against players, officials, and clubs. We have noted reports of incidents involving fans and have requested that the relevant national football associations and clubs strengthen their management to ensure a safe and harmonious football environment.

This ruling is a prime example of "muddying the waters".

It upheld the original judgment, remaining impartial and unbiased:

Barcelona's request for additional punishment of Yan Yuan and Arsenal's request for additional punishment of Pique were rejected.

But the key point is: Yan Yuan is still fine! Pique's red card is confirmed!

This ruling was issued.

Arsenal and the Football Association immediately issued statements publicly supporting UEFA's "fair" ruling.

Arsenal Official Statement: [The club welcomes UEFA's Disciplinary Committee's fair decision to uphold the original verdict. This result once again proves Yan Yuan's innocence and Arsenal's correct stance in this matter. We will continue to focus on the game and look forward to the next leg with our fans at the Emirates Stadium!]

The Football Association (FA) stated: "We are pleased with UEFA's fair and fact-based ruling that upholds Yan Yuan's legal rights. The FA remains committed to protecting all England players from unfair treatment."

Interestingly, Real Madrid's official account also reposted UEFA's ruling, along with a highly tactful comment.

Real Madrid Football Club consistently supports UEFA's efforts to uphold the spirit of fair play in football. Fair rulings are the cornerstone of the healthy development of football. We look forward to all teams showcasing the highest level of competition in a level playing field.

The Real Madrid post made no mention of Barcelona or Arsenal.

However, speaking out at this time, especially emphasizing "fair judgment," has a self-evident meaning and has been jokingly referred to by fans as a "divine assist."

Arsenal fans around the world went wild.

On social media, various retaliatory memes and jokes have emerged one after another:

A nine-square grid was created depicting Pique's flying tackle, accompanied by the caption: "Dangerous move! Red card! Suspension? UEFA: A red card is enough!"

The slow-motion footage of Yan Yuan's stomp was broken down frame by frame and accompanied by the text: "Natural reaction! Loss of balance! Malicious retaliation? UEFA: Insufficient evidence!"

A GIF of Barcelona president Bartomeu covering his face and crying was created, accompanied by the text: "Appeal? Review? UEFA: The original verdict is upheld! Aren't you angry?"

The most classic image is one that shows Yan Yuan's imposing celebration at Camp Nou, flashing his jersey on the left, UEFA's ruling on the right, and a big green checkmark "√" in the middle.

There's also a meme of Pique in a wheelchair, with Yan Yuan pushing it from behind, causing Pique to fall off a cliff. Pique then begs Yan Yuan for mercy.

Amidst global public opinion's mixed reactions of cheers and condemnations regarding this ruling.

Yan Yuan, at the very center of the storm, finally posted on his personal social media account...

They issued that statement that went viral globally.

Instead of using official rhetoric, Yan Yuan issued a challenge to Barcelona in the most direct, sharp, personal, and fiery language:

The title is: [To those who can't accept defeat, and to all those who support me]

First of all, I am incredibly angry and disgusted by the vandalism of my mother's restaurant, and by the unwarranted harassment, malicious photoshopping, and cyberbullying that my family and loved ones have suffered! Those cowards hiding behind their screens, especially the scum who harassed my family in real life, you don't deserve to be called football fans; you are a disgrace to football! The law will find you, I promise.

Secondly, regarding that flying tackle with the gleaming studs, intended to end someone's career.

What I want to say is, Mr. Pique, I feel sorry for you. That wasn't defense, that was attempted murder, and UEFA's red card is a well-deserved medal.

Take good care of your injury. After all, the Barcelona management is so busy, they have to write a complaint to UEFA and also find time to order a new wheelchair for you.

When you get there, remember to pick a comfortable one, preferably an electric wheelchair, so you can play by yourself when you're not busy.

And dear President Bartomeu, instead of spending your time writing those fantastical appeals, why don't you take a look at your club's history books?

Look at how you used such despicable tactics as "closing jerseys" to poach Fabregas, making him pay to join Barcelona!

Look at the 2006 Champions League final, how did you manage to make our goalkeeper Lehmann the fastest red card in a final?

[Let's look back at 2011. How did Van Persie's second shot after the whistle turn into a second yellow card and a red card?]

I am an Arsenal player, and I will repay Barcelona for all of this history and past humiliations on behalf of Arsenal.

Finally, thank you to @ArsenalFC and the FA for their unwavering support and strong backing!

Thank you to all the Arsenal and England fans who stood by me through the storm! Your support is the most beautiful sound I can hear!

I'm really looking forward to the next round.

[One last thing: if Barcelona doesn't have the money to buy Pique a wheelchair, they can send me the reimbursement receipts for the wheelchair, and I'll reimburse them for it. You're welcome.]

Following the article, Yan Yuan's accompanying picture was still the same one of him hanging his jersey to dry after the game.

The atmosphere is tense and tense!

This post was like throwing a bomb into a boiling oil pan!

Instantly, the number of likes, comments, and shares skyrocketed!

"Arsenal have found their true king. I can almost see a statue of the legendary Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium."

"Yan Shen created a new meme: 'I'll reimburse Barcelona for the expenses.'"

"As a Real Madrid fan, I'm really satisfied. Yan Shen is truly a man of character. Now I'm a Real Madrid and Arsenal fan. As long as Barcelona is fighting, I'll come and support them."

"Oh no, suddenly the remaining matches don't seem interesting anymore, what should I do? Now I'm just waiting for the next round between Arsenal and Barcelona."

"I just arrived, which side is better?"

"Hey upstairs, I've seen your ID before. You were just posting in the basketball circle and now you're posting in the football circle."

"I swear, of all the captains in Arsenal's history, there has never been one with more fighting spirit than Yan Shen, especially since Yan Shen is not even a captain yet."

"Don't worry, Yan Shen will be the captain soon, within two seasons at most."

What's even more remarkable is that this happened just minutes after the post was published.

A gleaming gold "V" verified account appeared at the very top of the likes list.

Brother Luo is here.

Luo Ge not only liked the post, but also left a short but meaningful comment:

"Factos (thumbs up emoji)"

Cristiano Ronaldo's likes and comments were like a "king's certification" for Yan Yuan's declaration, instantly pushing the post's popularity to a new peak.

Global sports media headlines are once again dominated by keywords such as "Yan Yuan", "Cristiano Ronaldo likes", and "Yan Yuan posts an article"!

The media storm imposed by Barcelona failed to break Yan Yuan and Arsenal.

Instead, it ignited anger and earned Yan Yuan wider support and unprecedented attention.

Yan Yuan, in the most assertive manner, issued a prelude to revenge against Barcelona.

The 0-3 scoreline, Pique's red card, UEFA's ruling, Yan Yuan's post, Ronaldo's like...

All these factors combined to push the Champions League second leg, to its peak of attention two weeks later at the Emirates Stadium in London.