Shoot the Messenger? Japan's World Cup Octopus Has Been Killed and Sold For Food

But did the octopus' curse taint Japan's chance at winning?

The FIFA World Cup seems to bring out the best and worst in everyone. Some have made headlines for their bad behaviour while others bring tears to the eyes for their heartwarming actions.

Japan's football fans are one of those wholesome fanbases. They were in the world's good graces after displaying extremely respectful actions like cleaning up stadiums after each game, but the tide has turned a little bit after news broke that their World Cup-predicting octopus/mascot was killed, sold off and presumably, eaten.

Rabiot the Octopus was allegedly killed just before the Round of 16 after correctly predicting the outcome of Japan's three matches in the group stage. Japan went on to lose against Belgium (3 - 2) in the Round of 16 and was eliminated.

Some were devastated to hear the tragic loss of the clairvoyant tentacled beast.

Nothing is sacred

— Theycallmenosaj (@theycallmenosaj) July 3, 2018

Others pointed out that after the octopus' murder death, Japan lost its next game and was eliminated from the competition.

@cissyconsuave I know why japan lost today

— Bethany Geary (@bjg921) July 3, 2018

Japan may have lost the game because the supernatural octopus was murdered. https://t.co/uD98Q4cGLJ There's no solid proof to say otherwise. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

— Exiled Caste (@ExiledCaste) July 3, 2018

Swim in peace, Rabiot.

Header Image: iStock.com/TheSP4N1SH