Viewers expressed their disbelief after the PA system failed at the opening ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup at St James' Park.
Spectators and welcome party guests alike were all left bemused as an awkward silence filled the stadium this Saturday afternoon during the live performance of indie band Kaiser Chiefs.
Kevin Sinfield and Jason Robinson were stood holding the World Cup trophy pitch side and looked confused as power cut out in the middle of the anticipated opening welcome ceremony featuring the Leeds rockers.
The technical problem delayed the ambassadors and the flag bearing ceremony from getting underway.
In the meantime, England players were videoed in the changing room keeping warm, on their toes, with both teams having to alter their preparations during this disruption.
They subsequently did emerge back onto the field, with the national anthems following the mishap.
Viewers took to Twitter to express their disbelief following the technical issues.
Mark Whitelegge tweeted his surprise saying: "What on earth is happening at St James' Park? The world's watching and the PA system packs up…Typical."
What on earth is happening at St.James park? The worlds watching and the PA system packs up…typical #RLWC2021
— Mark Whitelegge (@Mark_Whitelegge)
George commented on the 'concerned looks' on the faces of tournament directors present at St James' Park, saying: "Plenty of concerned looks amongst tournament bosses as the St James’ Park PA system crashes at the worst possible moment."
Plenty of concerned looks amongst tournament bosses as the St James’ Park PA system crashes at the worst possible moment
Jimmy Driver saw the funny side, saying: "It’s hilarious but awkward. Currently watching the BBC panel trying to fill time as Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs runs up and down the touchline. All because the PA system at St James’ Park is knackered. So incredibly Rugby League."
It’s hilarious but awkward. Currently watching the BBC panel trying to fill time as Ricky Wilson of the Kaiser Chiefs runs up and down the touchline. All because the PA system at St James’ Park is knackered. So incredibly Rugby League #RLWC2021
— Jimmy Driver (@jnd_90)
Tom Farrimond added: "St James’ Park hosts thousands of games. When does the PA system break…"
St James’ park hosts thousands of games. When does the PA system break….
— tom farrimond (@tomfarrimond) October 15, 2022
The organisers RLWC2021 have released a statement apologising for the disruption.
They said: "RLWC2021 would like to sincerely apologise for the disrupted tournament welcome, which was severely affected by technical failure.
"It wasn’t the start we wanted but we would like to thank fans for their patience and for continuing to celebrate the teams and the tournament."
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