Football fans across the UK went into momentary meltdown on Saturday after the signal of BT Sport’s broadcast failed in the crucial final moments of the highly anticipated north London derby.
The signal of the live broadcast from Saturday’s Arsenal v Tottenham match was lost with only three minutes of stoppage time remaining, when the game was poised at 2-2. A message on the screen simply read: “We apologise for the interruption. We will be back on air as soon as possible.”
When the coverage returned it lacked any sound, and the game ended without a scoreline showing. Commentators did not address the technical glitch but presenter Jake Humphrey apologised once coverage had returned to the studio.
Fans of both clubs let the station know of their disbelief, and the broadcaster, which charges up to £19.99 a month for subscriptions, soon began trending on Twitter.
Former Arsenal player Fabrice Muamba wrote “omg @btsportfootball” while a Chelsea FC affiliated account tweeted: “No Siri, I did not call you. I said ‘Are you serious’ because BT have ended football.”
A BT spokesperson said: “We are sorry for the temporary loss of picture and sound during our broadcast of the Tottenham versus Arsenal match this afternoon.
“This was due to a loss of power at the stadium and we are continuing to investigate the root cause.”
I think it's safe to say that @btsport have had better days... pic.twitter.com/7PRi5fAZc5
— Dan Storey (@DapperDan) March 5, 2016
What shambolic broadcasting. BT Sport have outdone themselves today.
— Timo Burbidge (@Teems101) March 5, 2016
That BT Sport mess up reminded me of when Sky missed the beginning of a north London derby also at the Lane years ago
— Joshua Evans (@JBTEvans) March 5, 2016
Oh dear, BT lose signal on closing moments of biggest north London derby for years.
— Ben Rumsby (@ben_rumsby) March 5, 2016
BT Sport has gone full on ITV
— The Wasps Blog (@thewaspsblog) March 5, 2016
Robbie Savage has definitely unplugged something to charge his phone.
— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) March 5, 2016
Omg @btsportfootball
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) March 5, 2016
4 mins of extra time in a #NLD and you lose signal!!!!!!! Fuming @btsport
— Beth Marshall (@BethyMarshall) March 5, 2016
BT Sport headquarters, earlier: pic.twitter.com/SGno4vV1M1
— Nick Pettigrew (@Nick_Pettigrew) March 5, 2016
The game ended in a draw, with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane scoring for Spurs and Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal.
