Sky Sports News sent viewers into a frenzy after coverage was cut short due to broadcast disruption just before the Major Cup draw. The draw could be a huge moment for fans, as it will ultimately reveal their chances of playing in the cup or lining up for the big away day.
But it was a surprise for fans watching the Virtu Trophy round of 16 draw on Thursday afternoon. Sky Sports News hosted the draw for the cup tournament for under-21 teams from League One, Two and the Premier League, with presenter Will Perry joined by former players Luke Chambers and Jobi McAnuff to reveal the fate of 16 clubs. But shortly after the draw was announced, their broadcasts suddenly disappeared, although their usual spots had been reserved for analysis and reaction.
With viewers confused as to what was going on, the channel quickly returned to the main studio and quickly moved on to breaking news that Jude Bellingham was unlikely to start for England.
After a brief discussion, when the chat went gold, the broadcast was completely interrupted and a message appeared on viewers’ televisions that read, “We are truly sorry for this temporary issue.”
The main camera was cut, but the usual Sky News template and rotating yellow bulletin were still used.
The power outage continued for a few more minutes, then the coverage shifted to advertising, and after about five minutes it returned to normal with no mention of the previous power outage.
Presenter Matt Kabir-Floyd, who resumed the match as if nothing had happened, said: “But there is no doubt that the top news is that Jude Bellingham, who we think is not in the XI (for England vs Serbia), is going to be the same.”
“Is this an indication of what kind of battle Tuchel wants to play at the World Cup? It certainly feels like a real shot over Jude Bellingham’s bow.
“He’s back, he’s fit and he’s playing well now. He’s doing well at Real Madrid, but that wasn’t enough for Tuchel to bring him into the XI.”
“Tuchel, I spoke to him yesterday and he said he doesn’t think Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane could start in the same England XI at the moment given the structure they’re playing in.
“He also said that now is not the time to change the structure, which was very, very interesting. And it suggests that Jude Bellingham has a big job on his hands to get back into the eleven.”
