Sutton United welcomed Leeds United to Gander Green Lane, aiming to become the second non-league club to reach the fifth round of this season’s FA Cup.
The game was broadcast live on BT Sport, but it soon became clear that the camera crew didn’t have a huge amount of protection from the elements during a rainy afternoon in South London.
Roarie Deacon thought he’d put the underdogs ahead, only for an offside flag to deny the former Arsenal youngster.
However, as replays of that effort came through – and indeed as the half progressed – viewers couldn’t help but notice that it was possible to have a restricted view even while watching on TV.
https://twitter.com/willwrite4cake/status/825719437269544960
@btsportfootball Do you think you could get someone to wipe the camera lens on the Sutton v Leeds match? 💦
— Shauny P ♈️ | 🏴 | ⚽️ | 🎶 (@shaunyp8471) January 29, 2017
How hard is it to wipe your camera lens @btsportfootball @LUFC @EmiratesFACup
— Joe renwick (@Joerenwick5) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/jamesholden36/status/825719330193145860
How hard is it to wipe your camera lens @btsportfootball @LUFC @EmiratesFACup
— Joe renwick (@Joerenwick5) January 29, 2017
The issues didn’t go unnoticed by presenter Jake Humphrey, who broached the subject during the half-time break.
Indeed, BT Sport were able to focus attention on the men behind their matchday cameras, just to show those watching at home that there wasn’t a great deal they could do about the situation.
And, of course, Humphrey did his best to take matters into his own hands.
Just ran up the gantry to wipe the camera…is that better?? pic.twitter.com/21TDkXNOK1
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) January 29, 2017
There were more problems later on, as some viewers lost sound on their broadcast when the home side were awarded a penalty, but it returned in time for Jamie Collins to fire past Marco Silvestri to give the non-league side the lead.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
