BBC Scotland have broken their silence following an awkward blunder that left former Scotland stars red-faced live on air after the team’s win against Greece.
We previously told how James McFadden and Steven Thompson were the pundits on duty for the Nations League play-off showdown in Piraeus on Thursday.
Steven Thompson and James McFadden live on BBC Scotland[/caption]
A technical glitch at full-time left fans at home confused, as the duo were seemingly unaware they were live on air[/caption]
McFadden turning his back to the camera while Thompson repeatedly asked, “Are we good to go?!”[/caption]
Scott McTominay’s first-half penalty secured a well-earned victory for the Tartan Army last night, with the former Scotland pair praising Steve Clarke’s men.
However, a technical glitch at full-time left fans at home confused, as the duo were seemingly unaware they were live on air.
The cameras had switched to them on the touchline from the studio, but neither McFadden nor Thompson appeared prepared.
During the awkward moment, Everton icon McFadden bizarrely called out the name of a former Scottish referee after spotting him in the crowd.
He exclaimed, “Bobby Madden!” to which Thompson quickly replied, “I saw him.”
Presenter Jonathan Sutherland had introduced the pair after analysing the game with Steven Naismith and Lyndon Dykes in the studio.
Standing pitchside, McFadden and Thompson initially appeared oblivious to the live broadcast, with McFadden turning his back to the camera while Thompson repeatedly asked, “Are we good to go?!”
Tonight, the broadcaster responded to criticism of the on-air blunder, after viewers branded the coverage of the first free-to-air game as “amateur hour.”
One viewer commented: “BBC Scotland coverage is like student TV.”
How they rated
Craig Gordon
Veteran keeper won his 80th cap and had to be alert in the second half as Greece piled pressure on. Big clean sheet for the Hearts man.8
Anthony Ralston
Celtic full-back should have been rusty after very little club action but put in a superb shift. Did just enough to put off Christos Tzolis as he hit the post.8
John Souttar
Took his solid Rangers form onto the international scene. Forced to defend his box constantly in the second half but stood tall in a no-nonsense display.8
Grant Hanley
Big defender was making his 60th Scotland appearance and breathed a sigh of relief after a late penalty award was overturned by VAR. Strong performance.8
Andy Robertson
Moved third on Scotland’s all-time cap list with No81 and ensured it was a memorable night with a big away win. Calmed things during a frantic second period.7
Billy Gilmour
Little midfielder tried to dictate the play and wasted a chance to make it 2-0 after hesitating. Guilty of some slack passes but willingness to take ball was crucial.7
Kenny McLean
Experienced midfielder gave his usual no-frills performance beside Gilmour in the central area. Put in a big defensive shift before being replaced with 15 remaining.7
John McGinn
Usual bustling display from the Scotland midfielder and was at the heart of many attacks. Powered a drive over the bar on a rare second-half break.7
Scott McTominay
Won and then converted a first-half penalty as he ignored the lasers from the Greek fans. Took some heavy treatment from Greek players but had the last laugh.7
Lewis Ferguson
Back in a Scotland jersey for the first time in a year and played off left flank. Worked tirelessly and didn’t give the Greeks any time on the ball. Booked.7
Che Adams
Tough shift as lone striker but should have scored when he rushed his shot after a Greek mix-up in first half. Fed off scraps in the second period.7
SUBS: KIERAN TIERNEY (5) operated ahead of Andy Robertson on the left flank for the closing stages. GEORGE HIRST (5) Ipswich star came on to make his debut for the last 15. RYAN PORTEOUS (3) put in a late tackle moments after coming on. MAX JOHNSTON (2) another late debutant.
A BBC spokesperson said: “There was a brief delay with a pitch side link during our extensive coverage of Scotland’s game in Greece last night.
“There are occasions when not everything goes to plan in live broadcasting.
“We’re pleased to have been able to bring the Scotland game live to so many people free-to-air on Thursday evening.”
Earlier this month, BBC Scotland announced a deal to broadcast Scotland’s matches on free-to-air television.
The agreement includes all 14 live Scotland fixtures across the European Qualifiers leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Broadcast rights for all three Home Nations were sold as part of the same package during UEFA’s rights re-tendering process, following the removal of rights from former broadcaster Viaplay.
The national team’s recent matches have, in fact, been available free to view via the SFA and Viaplay’s YouTube channel.
Steve Clarke’s men now must defend their one-goal advantage in the return leg at Hampden this Sunday.
