Mikel Arteta's technical area stat, the former Gunners cult hero 'running for Mayor' and England captain Josh Buttler... did these April Fools Pranks catch you out?

The sporting world has embraced April Fool's Day with a series of pranks, with some more believable than others.

Players, clubs and even statistics companies have got in the act ahead of the midday deadline.

Opta opted for their traditional approach to delivering statistics for their prank, with the stats gurus joking about Mikel Arteta's presence on the touchline.

The Arsenal boss has been criticised in recent seasons by some pundits with his touchline antics, with the Spaniard receiving several yellow cards from match officials.

 '8.4% - Mikel Arteta has spent a higher percentage of time outside his technical area than any other coach in the Big 5 Leagues this season. Walkabout,' Opta posted.

While several fans were quick to spot the April Fools stat, some missed out on the ruse by accusing the stats company of an 'agenda' against the Arsenal boss.

Other Arsenal fans saw the funny side, praising the title chasing manager for 'dominating' the touchline as his club pushes for Premier League glory.

A former Gunners icon was among those to get into the April Fools spirit, with Lukas Podolski offering a fake retirement announcement to launch a political career.

The 38-year-old, who now plays for Polish side Gornik Zabrze, claimed he would hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Podolski, an FA Cup winner with Arsenal, appeared to be making a serious announcement but replies questioned his claim after the former German international declared he would stand in the Mayoral election

'After the end of the current season, I am ending my football career,' he wrote.

'I want to focus on politics and the development of Zabrze. Decision of the Supervisory Board of Górnik Zabrze SA, I will take up the position of president of the management board of the Club. 

'Next, I announce my participation in the elections for the office of the mayor of Zabrze.'

White-ball captain Jos Buttler starred in the England cricket team's prank.

An 'official statement' was published with Buttler detailing how he is repeatedly called the wrong name, with even his mum and MBE having referred to him as 'Josh'.

‘After 13 years of representing my country and two World Cup wins, it’s time to finally fix the problem,' Buttler said.

‘To solve the problem once and for all, I am officially Josh Buttler.'

The batsman was then shown in mock frustration after immediately being referred to as 'Jos'.

talkSPORT offered up a potential punditry showdown in the boxing ring in a fight dubbed ‘Battle of the Brum’.

The broadcaster claimed former Aston Villa forward Gabby ‘Gabfather’ Agbonlahor and ex-Birmingham City striker and fan Troy ‘The Meanie’ Deeney would take up the gloves for a fight at St Andrew’s in September.

Scottish League Two side Stenhousemuir offered up a garish new kit for the 2024-25 season for their prank, mocking up a shirt in the style of a duffle coat.

The club claimed it was in honour of Terry Christie, who served as manager between 1992 to 1997. 

'To celebrate 30 years since our memorable Scottish Cup victory against Aberdeen, next season's home shirt will play tribute to former manager Terry Christie and his legendary duffle coat! Available for pre-order soon!,' Stenhousemuir posted.

Some fans of Macclesfield FC may have felt their pulses race after the fan account Silkmen Army posted an alleged text exchange with the club's director of football Robbie Savage.

The post claimed the former Premier League star had withdrawn the non league side from the FA Trophy at the semi-final stage of the competition.

'This morning Sav has confirmed to Silkmen Army that Macclesfield FC have withdrawn from the FA Trophy at the semi-final stage to ‘protect the players’ during the run-in. 

'Pretty gutting having got so far but congratulations to Gateshead FC and enjoy Wembley. Onto Hyde now.'