Many fans were left frustrated after the BBC’s coverage of England’s round of 32 clash against DR Congo cut out unexpectedly for several seconds.
In the 53rd minute of the match, with England behind and fighting for a way back into the game after DR Congo’s early opener in the first half, BBC screens suddenly froze as Jude Bellingham collected the ball inside the penalty area.
Over 15 seconds later, the screens returned to the sound of fans inside the stadium reacting loudly to an important incident, but BBC viewers were left guessing over what had happened.
Replays soon showed that Bellingham had shimmied inside the penalty area and forced an important save out of Lionel Mpasi.
Most fans, though, used it as an opportunity to criticise England’s dismal performance.
One fan posted on X: ‘Disappointed the BBC feed just went off, even more disappointed its come back on…. #worldcup #england.’
Many fans were left frustrated after the BBC’s coverage of England cut out at a crucial moment
Fans took to social media to hit out at the BBC glitch after missing out on Bellingham’s shot
Many supporters joked that the blackout was better than watching England against DR Congo
Another added: ‘The game is so bad the BBC can’t broadcast it any longer hehe #England #DRCongo���� #ENGDRC #FIFAWordCup.’
‘The BBC should left on that black screen. Better viewing than England playing,’ a third posted on X.
A fourth stunned fan said: ‘Did BBC glitch?!’
Other fans hit out at TV licences in the process.
‘BBC want me to pay tv licence for it to glitch lol,’ an X user added.
Another said: ‘Did we just get a glitch from the BBC? Thank god for replays! We did pay for our TV licence!’
Although most of England’s clash with DR Congo was nervy viewing for BBC viewers, it fortunately did not end in heartbreak for Three Lions fans as Harry Kane saved the day with two late goals.
He first scored a great header after being set up by second-half substitute Anthony Gordon in the 75th minute before doubling his tally 11 minutes later with a sensational strike to fire England ahead late on.
Thanks to Kane’s dramatic double, England have set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico on Monday, which kicks off at 1am BST live on BBC One.
