Pre-season friendlies are meant to be relaxed, low-pressure tune-ups — a chance for players to shake off the rust, managers to trial new systems, and fans to get an early look at fresh signings.

But football is never that simple.

Sometimes, these casual games descend into chaos, deliver the unexpected, or leave everyone scratching their heads. Over the years, pre-season friendlies have thrown up some truly bizarre incidents — moments so strange you’d think they were scripted.

Here’s a round-up of the most unbelievable ones.

The Fan Who Took a Penalty — and Scored

In 2013, during a pre-season clash between AC Milan and Sassuolo, a pitch invader did more than just run across the pitch. He took — and scored — a penalty.

Security was oddly slow to react, giving the fan enough time to calmly place the ball and slot it home. He wheeled away in celebration before finally being escorted off. The referee allowed it to stand in spirit, if not officially.

Leeds United’s Bus Driver “Sent Off”

During Leeds United’s 2019 pre-season tour in Australia, a logistical hiccup took a bizarre turn. The team’s bus driver parked in the wrong spot, delaying kick-off against Western Sydney Wanderers.

Marcelo Bielsa — notoriously punctual — was not amused. The driver was quietly relieved of his duties the next day. It wasn’t a red card in the traditional sense, but it might as well have been.

The Church Tournament That Turned Into a Brawl

In 2005, a church-organised friendly tournament in Brazil ended in anything but peace. A poor challenge escalated into a full-blown brawl involving players, fans, and even members of the clergy.

Several participants were banned from future “holy” matches. It turns out even faith-based football isn’t immune to fiery tempers.

A photo of two football players battling for the ball during a match.

Ajax Play With Nine Men — On Purpose

In 2018, Ajax manager Erik ten Hag took “preparation” to a new level by starting a friendly with just nine players against VVSB. It was a tactical experiment — he wanted his squad to practise playing while outnumbered.

The result? A 5-0 Ajax win. Because of course.

A photo showing a football team warming up with nine visible players.

When Lightning Literally Struck

A 2002 friendly in the Democratic Republic of Congo turned tragic when a lightning strike reportedly killed 11 players on one team — while leaving the opposing side untouched.

Some locals blamed witchcraft, and the incident has since become legend, though later investigations suggested exaggeration. Still, it remains one of the eeriest tales in football.

Two teams playing football against each other with storm clouds in the distance.

The Opponent That Didn’t Exist

In 2016, Spanish side Elche announced a friendly against Qatari club “Al-Duhail SC.” The fans turned up. The opposition didn’t.

Turns out, the match was the result of a scheduling mix-up. Elche ended up scrambling to find local free agents and academy players to make up a team to play.

The non-existent opponent is now part of Elche folklore.

A photo of a football goal, with the pitch looking empty.

When Leeds United Played Leeds United

In 2014, Leeds United embarked on a summer tour of Italy. Their preseason campaign got off to an empathic start when they annihilated amateur side FC Gherdeina 16-0.

Things took a strange turn ahead of their next fixture, however, when Romanian opponents Viitorul Constanta failed to turn up.

Not wanting to disappoint their travelling fans, manager Dave Hockaday decided to split the Leeds squad into two teams for three 20-minute sets in which they’d face each other. In the end, Leeds United beat Leeds United 3-1.

The 22-Penalty Shootout

In 2015, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday played out a 0-0 draw in a friendly that ended with a shootout — which went on and on… and on.

After 22 penalties, Hull emerged 13-12 winners. No trophy, no points — just penalty drama for the ages.

A photo of a player scoring a penalty kick.

Redknapp Brings Heckling Fan Off the Terrace — and Onto the Pitch

In 1994, West Ham were 2-0 up against Oxford City when injury left them with just 10 players. A loud fan named Steve Davies had been heckling striker Lee Chapman all game.

So manager Harry Redknapp challenged him to do better — and brought him on as a sub.

Wearing borrowed boots and a quickly donned West Ham shirt, Davies was sent through on goal and, unbelievably, scored. One goal. One appearance. A perfect record.

A photo of a West Ham United fan singing.

Plymouth Argyle’s Accidental Date With Real Madrid

In 2004, Plymouth Argyle were on a quiet pre-season tour in Austria when Real Madrid came knocking — quite literally. Both teams had booked the same hotel. Fabio Capello offered Argyle a friendly match in exchange for giving up their reservation.

So, on a surreal July afternoon, Plymouth faced a star-studded Madrid line-up featuring Guti, Helguera and Gravesen. Madrid won 1-0, but the experience was priceless.

A photo of a football pitch surrounded by mountainous terrain.

Final Whistle

Pre-season friendlies might be short on stakes, but they’re never short on surprises. From fans becoming heroes to teams playing ghost opponents, these games prove that football’s strangest stories don’t always happen under the brightest lights.

So, the next time you hear someone dismiss a friendly as “just a warm-up,” remind them — that’s exactly when things get weird.

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