Genoa and Ryanair trade barbs on social media after controversial 2-0 defeat
Quick summary
Genoa engaged in a public social media exchange with budget airline Ryanair following a controversial 2-0 loss, blending football grievance with viral marketing banter.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGenoa’s social media team hit back at Ryanair with a vicious jibe following the mockery of their controversial defeat to Napoli. ‘Sorry about the delay, but you’re used to that.’
The Grifone were beaten 2-0 in the opening round of the Serie A season, with the deadlock broken by Kevin De Bruyne.
The hosts were furious at the decision not to disallow the goal for what they considered to be his foul on Johan Vasquez, but the referee, VAR and their superiors confirmed it was correct to wave play on.
Ryanair mock Genoa over goal controversy ITALY – AUGUST 22: Daniele De Rossi, Head Coach, before the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) Ryanair have a record of mocking current events including sports on their social media channels, and retweeted a clip of the De Bruyne challenge with the phrase: ‘The foul is only in the mind of those who lost.’
Genoa replied three days later to the message, as they had not been originally tagged in on it, but used that to their advantage to hit back at the budget airline.
“The luggage is only in the mind of those who lost it. P.S. sorry for the delay, but you’re used to that.”
il bagaglio è solo nella testa di chi l’ha perso
P.S. scusate il ritardo, ma dovreste esserci abituati
— Genoa CFC (@GenoaCFC) August 27, 2026
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What happened
Genoa were on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat that was marred by controversy, prompting the Italian club to fire back on social media. Budget carrier Ryanair, known for its sharp-tongued online presence, joined the fray in a back-and-forth that quickly drew attention. The exchange highlights how clubs increasingly use social media to vent frustration, while brands like Ryanair capitalise on the viral moment for engagement.
Chance analysis
Controversial refereeing decisions continue to dominate post-match discourse in Serie A, and Genoa have turned their frustration into a social media moment by sparring with Ryanair. The airline's reputation for witty, combative replies makes it a natural foil for a club seeking publicity around a bad result. Beyond the laughs, the exchange underscores the growing role of online banter as a pressure valve for clubs and a marketing tool for consumer brands.
Genoa's defeat adds pressure on results but the social media feud is unlikely to affect sporting performance or team availability.