Once is a coincidence, twice is suspicious
It was shortly after France’s 2-1 victory over Australia on Saturday when an odd thing happened on the BBC One broadcast. In the Moscow studio, Mark Chapman hosted as Alex Scott, Phil Neville and Didier Drogba dissected the game.
Then something odd happened. Just as Neville was saying something – probably about how much he hates VAR but feels it should be used in games – the feed cut out, gifting our screen with the technical difficulty screen which we have come to know and love.
It returned to normality, but then, it happened again, once again when Neville was in the middle of speaking.
What on earth was going on? Did Donald Trump accidentally press the red button while trying to change the channel on his TV? Had there been a Royal death which required national attention?
Well, if the United Kingdom’s social media users are anything to go by, there was only one reason, and they’re fairly certain of it.
Look, I know Phil Neville’s punditry’s not everyone’s Cup of tea, but this is harsh… pic.twitter.com/WoNIX4c5dF
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) June 16, 2018
Ha! The BBC have done an ITV with their coverage. Much more entertaining than listening to Phil Neville.
— Kenneth (@NiceGuyKenny) June 16, 2018
Phil Neville broke BBC one!!!
— Charlie Tre-Vett (@charlie_bear86) June 16, 2018
Who ever just cut Phil Neville off deserves a pay raise #BBC
— Vibe Justice (@FunkKuts) June 16, 2018
BBC cutting off every time Phil Neville opens his mouth. Even they know he talks shite #worldcup
— AnDy✌ (@andyjohnston19) June 16, 2018
Phil Neville just contradicted himself so hard he broke the BBC #WorldCup #FRAAUS
— Ollie Pope (@Ollieargyle9) June 16, 2018
BBC has technical difficulties soon as Neville is about to talk lol. Fantastic
— Jan (@JanSantana_) June 16, 2018
If the Russians have hacked the BBC signal then let me be the first to say they're quite welcome to steal all of Phil Neville's punditry.
— Guybrush Tweetgood (@philgibson01) June 16, 2018
BBC One losing signal every time Phil Neville speaks is something I can get on board with.
— Leah (@Ell__Cee2) June 16, 2018