Leeds United and Manchester United’s clash was silenced when TNT Sports’ sound cut 15 minutes into the Premier League clash.
Leeds fans had been loud for the opening minutes of the clash, but they were out-sung around 15 minutes into the match by a chorus of sick Jimmy Saville chants. However, Leeds fans responded as both fans went back and forth over the infamous sex offender, with chants too graphic to detail here.
And it was during these chants, the sound suddenly, and unexpectedly, cut for those viewing the game from home. TNT Sports flashed an apology in the corner of the screen: “Apologies for the loss of sound.” And the silence lasted for around three minutes with Darren Fletcher breaking the silence.
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
He joked: “It seems like we’re back apologies for that can’t wait for the avalanche of positivity on social media. sorry to spoil the day.”
However, fans had a theory on social media: “TNT getting a sound ‘fault’ just as fans are chanting about Saville. What a coincidence!”
“Funny how the sounds gone off on TNT whilst #MUFC are singing about Jimmy Saville,” a second shared.
While a third posted: “Did they actually just cut the sound on TNT because of Leeds fans singing about Jimmy Saville?”
And another added: “They’ve just turned the crowd mic down because of those Saville chants hahahahha!”
The notorious DJ, TV and radio star, who was from Leeds and died in 2011, aged 84.
Following his death, hundreds of allegations of sexual abuse made against him were investigated, leading the police to conclude that he was a predatory sex offender, possibly one of the UK’s most prolific.
Savile’s victims allegedly included young children and elderly individuals.
However, some fans were over the moon the to watch the game with no sound: “TNT Sports not only have lost sound but chosen to cover a quarter of the screen with a message telling us they’ve lost sound.”
Another said: “Love watching TNT with no sound, exactly how I wanted to spend my time watching the game.”
While a third shared: “TNT putting up a notice about no sound which means we also can’t see the bottom of the screen…”