Ireland has been stunned by the news that Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey was arrested this morning in Rio.
You can get the latest on the story here. It is a massive shock and one that will be discussed in details in the days to come, but in the meanwhile Twitter is doing what it does best.
Finding the humour in the situation.
Given their high-profile spat in recent days, many wondered how Sports Minister Shane Ross was feeling about it all.
Shane Ross on hearing #PatHickey has been arrested #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/8dNufk8SfN
— E.L. (@mschiyabelle) August 17, 2016
"Hello? Shane? ... Pat Hickey ... listen, sorry about telling you to fuck off .. look, I'm in a spot of bother.. " pic.twitter.com/zxGv06ZKqU
— THE DISSONANT DRUM (@DrumStig) August 17, 2016
Shane Ross begins to piece together #ticketgate issues with Pat Hickey!!! #RioOlympics2016 #PatHickey #Rio2016 #ioc pic.twitter.com/pXoxFGlWI7
— Michael Staunton (@mdsrally1) August 17, 2016
Shane Ross upon hearing about Pat Hickey's arrest... #Olympics pic.twitter.com/NW2ynySQOb
— Damien Glynn (@damog7) August 17, 2016
Shane Ross to Pat Hickey ... pic.twitter.com/7eJYmUzM8E
— Conchúr Ó Nualláin (@conorn) August 17, 2016
The empty stadia seen throughout the Games added a certain irony to the situation.
Only Ireland could be involved in a ticket touting scandal for an Olympics that has empty seats at every event.
— Chris McKenna (@cmckennasport) August 17, 2016
A picture circulated appearing to show Hickey in a dressing gown.
Who wore it better #PatHickey #Rio2016 #RioOlympics2016 pic.twitter.com/OhbJDNaXWl
— Some Dad (@_SomeDad) August 17, 2016
The bigger scandal here is that I don't see a New Balance logo on Pat Hickey's dressing gown, surely a breach of regulations
— Dave Hannigan (@daveyhannigan) August 17, 2016
Earlier, incorrect, reports that Hickey attempted to escape when confronted by police caught everyone’s attention. The truth was that there had been some confusion because Hickey’s son was staying at the same hotel.
Unconfirmed footage of Pat Hickey arrest in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/eQzobZcej0
— Niall (@SlippyToYou) August 17, 2016
So Pat Hickey tried to do a runner from police?? That obviously went well. #IOC #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/bnCtFbP6Wx
— Sarah Mackey (@sarmactweets) August 17, 2016
*BREAKING* We have exclusive footage of Pat Hickey's attempted escape!! pic.twitter.com/uzL4fu26x3
— Mallow News (@MallowNews) August 17, 2016
Exclusive footage of Pat Hickey collapsing following his arrest in Rio pic.twitter.com/ROTn2pu5PZ
— Conor Graham (@conorjgraham) August 17, 2016
Pat Hickey caught on camera leaving his hotel pic.twitter.com/5iBkalFFCC
— Alan Mulvey (@al70) August 17, 2016
It is such big news it has even that pushed hardy perennial – the Leaving Cert results – down the news agenda.
Pat Hickey's Leaving Cert is now trending
— Damien Mulley ¸ (@damienmulley) August 17, 2016
I bet Pat Hickey did really well in his Leaving Cert. And look at him now
— Ronan Murphy (@Ro_Murph) August 17, 2016
We await further developments with bated breath.
