‘Forgot to hit the mute button’ – BBC commentator’s ‘wildly inappropriate’ outburst live on air leaves fans in meltdown

FOOTBALL fans were left in stitches following a hilarious comment made live on air during a BBC Sport radio broadcast. During last night's jam-packed Europa League League Stage finale, Rangers took on Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox. Rangers ended up winning the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Václav Černý either side of half-time before Kevin Mac Allister netted a late reply for the visitors.

But at around the 66-minute mark play was briefly stopped by referee Damian Sylwestrzak. It came as former Accrington defender Ross Sykes was left in a heap on the floor after blocking a Ross McCausland shot square in the face. This was explained on BBC Sportsound by commentator Neil McCann and pundit Steven "Tommo" Thompson. Ex-Rangers winger McCann, 50, explained the situation before wincing upon seeing a replay.

However, Thompson seemed to be a little less sympathetic than his colleague, suddenly bursting out saying: "In the face!" in a funny voice. The unexpected remark caught many listeners off guard and left them in stitches. One fan captured the snippet of audio and posted it to social media to fans' delight. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. Reacting to the clip on social media, one fan said: "Wildly inappropriate commentary hahahahahaha.".

A second said: "Definitely forgot to hit the mute button," followed by a laughing emoji. A third added: "That is outstanding.". Another said: "Can’t stop playing it.". A fifth said: "Inappropriate (lol). Calm down man.". While many others replied with sets of laughing emojis. Former Lincoln player and manager Thompson, 69, was previously dropped from commentating for the BBC from November 2020 to the end of the year.

Working as a freelancer, Thompson had made comments referencing "handbags" and "the referee's wife" during an Accrington match. In 2018 he was also warned by the broadcaster over his use of language that "didn't meet the standards we expect". Listeners had raised concerns about comments across a 20-minute period, including one where he said: "Being a bit of a drama queen... he'd have been better wearing a skirt.".

The use of "handbags" had also been present. But this time around Thompson seems to have made headlines for the right reasons, with his off-the-cuff comment during Rangers clash with USG treating fans to a funny moment during the game. Rangers' win confirmed their progression into the last 16 after sneaking into the top eight positions that provide knockout round spots without the need for an extra play-off round.

Wins for Manchester United over FCSB and Tottenham over IF Elfsborg saw all the British clubs progress automatically. Here's a look at the ties across the competition... Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16. PLAYOFF ROUND. Bodo/Glimt vs Twente or Fenerbahce. Anderlecht vs Twente or Fenerbahce. FCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK.

Ajax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK. Real Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland. Galatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland. Roma vs Ferencvaros or Porto. Plzen vs Ferencvaros or Porto. Winners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16... LAST 16. Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or Porto. Athletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or Porto.

Man Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar. Tottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar. Frankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK. Lyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOK. Olympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce. Rangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce. TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST MOVES FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW.