SKY SPORTS accidentally broke the 3pm blackout rule during Soccer Saturday.
Broadcasters are banned from showing any live Premier League action between 2.45pm and 5.15pm.
Sky SportsSoccer Saturday broke the blackout rule at the weekend[/caption]
sky sportsFans saw live football for seconds on Soccer Saturday[/caption]
But minutes into the 3pm kick-off between Manchester City and Brighton, fans got a glimpse of the play at the Etihad Stadium.
Sky Sports were meant to cut to pundit Sue Smith, who was covering Bournemouth’s clash with Wolves, but a major blunder meant viewers saw live football instead.
Kyle Walker was seen playing a long ball up to Erling Haaland as Lewis Dunk won the header.
The action was on screens for just seconds before the it was swiftly taken down.
Amid the panic, the cameras focused in on an unaware Clinton Morrison, who was covering the game.
Fans were quick to take to social media after the error.
One said: “Soccer Saturday accidentally showing City v Brighton there… Keep it on please.”
Another added: “P*** take knowing they can show ’em and just don’t.”
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A third reacted: “I see Soccer Saturday is still a mess bringing up the wrong graphics, showing a live feed of the Man City-Brighton game.”
Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the game 2-1.
The blackout is set to continue for at least another five years with the Premier League not ready to change the TV rules.
It was introduced in the 1960s in an attempt to protect attendances.
From 2025 all games outside the 3pm slot will be broadcast live to English viewers.