ITV viewers missed Dan Gosling's winner in the 28th minute of extra-time against Liverpool last night because the broadcaster switched to adverts at the crucial moment.
As Joleon Lescott carried the ball over the halfway line in the build-up to the goal, ITV cut to a scheduled ad break, treating viewers first to a plug for cup sponsors E'On, then a commercial for Tic-Tacs.
Some regions managed to cut back to the action just as Gosling struck, but many viewers only rejoined the action as the Everton players were celebrating their goal.
Anchor Steve Rider attempted to apologise for the error at the end of the broadcast, commenting:
"Technically, it [the goal] came at a bad time for us as well. If you missed the goal, our apologies for the technical problems we had at that time."
That was the only explanation given until around 11.30, when ITV released a statement that read:
"ITV experienced some technical problems which would appear to be an issue with network transmission. We apologise for any interruption to the game."
It's not the first time that ITV's coverage of the FA Cup - for which they paid £275million - has come under criticism this season.
Supporters were clearly heard chanting 'ITV are f**king s**t' during the first round clash between Histon and Leeds (at which viewers were also 'treated' to the sight of a naked Histon player after the game), while their highlights package for the third round was widely derided for its inflexibility.
The broadcaster chose to stick with their pre-arranged matches, bringing extended coverage of Derby's win over Forest Green Rovers, while Nottingham Forest's 3-0 defeat of Manchester City, Southend's 1-1 draw at Chelsea and Hartlepool's 2-0 win over Stoke were given around three minutes in total.
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Originally Posted by Katy
