A world-feed issue meant World Cup viewers lost visuals and were subjected to a harsh buzzing sound on Saturday night, during Scotland’s opening game against Haiti.
There was a raucous atmosphere for the Group C match at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts, where the Scottish men’s side made its first World Cup appearance in 28 years.
• Follow LIVE: Scotland take on Haiti in crucial World Cup opener
That atmosphere only intensified as a Scott McTominay shot struck the post, and it hit another level when John McGinn’s deflected effort put Steve Clarke’s side 1-0 up in the first half.
Shortly after the Scots took the lead, however, the TV feed cut out, leaving viewers at home staring at a patchy screen and subjected to a buzzing sound.
Thankfully, the problem only lasted around 10 seconds before regular visuals and audio were restored, and the BBC commentary team said: “Apologies again if there’s been a loss of pictures.
“It’s been a world-feed problem, so everyone suffered it, but we’re back now.”
It wasn’t the only technical error experienced on BBC television that day, with the match taking place after the opening Group C fixture, which saw one of the tournament’s favourites, Brazil, draw 1-1 with dark horses Morocco.
During the second half of that contest, commentary was hijacked by a bizarre conversation, likely from BBC production.
An unexpected voice could be heard saying: “Guest feed is good if you’re happy with that, thank you,” before counting up to 10 quickly and shouting “GOAL, GOAL, GOAL!”
The interaction, which seemed to be a sound check inadvertently broadcast nationwide, continued for a few more seconds before cutting out.
In Group C, Brazil are seeking a record-extending fifth World Cup trophy, while Morocco would like to build on their surprise run to the 2022 semi-finals – and their strange Afcon triumph this year, which occurred off the pitch after farcical scenes in their final against Senegal.
But Scotland will fancy their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds after a promising start to their group campaign, and after key player McTominay was able to feature, having overcome a stomach bug.
