Fara Williams "in a mood" after BBC error as pundits 'split up' for semi-final

16 August 2023 , 10:25

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There was an awkward moment live on air with Fara Williams

Alex Scott joked former England team-mate Fara Williams was "in a mood" live on air after the BBC pundit endured technical difficulties ahead of the clash between the Lionesses and Australia.

The Lionesses faced host nation in front of 75,000 fans in Sydney, with the winners taking on Spain in the final. As Gabby Logan hosted the Beeb's coverage, the raucous atmosphere was evident amid huge noise at Stadium Australia.

Whilst Logan was joined in the studio by another England icon in Scott, Williams - who won 177 caps for her country - was pitch-side. But whether it was a technical difficulty or the noise of the sell-out crowd ringing in her ears, she inadvertently provided an awkward moment

"Let’s go to Fara Williams, who is soaking up the atmosphere," said Logan. However, viewers were left disappointed when Williams, 39, didn't offer so much as a word in response having clearly not picked up on the introduction.

Logan then attempted to clarify the botch, adding: "I'm not hearing Fara I'm afraid. Maybe it's the level of this stadium - it's going crazy..." Scott though, had other ideas in light of an on-air joke between pundits the previous day.

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Referring to Williams not being in the studio with the Lionesses 90 minutes away from a World Cup final, she said: "She's in a mood because you've split us up. We were causing mayhem yesterday."

Scott was referring to Arsenal women's manager Jonas Eidevall, also working for the BBC in the tournament, being upset on air by his punditry colleagues after they celebrated Spain's late winner against his home country Sweden. It led to him being ribbed by the pair, with Williams joking: "Jonas actually wants Australia to win now because of our celebrations."

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Scott also chipped in with: "He's not talking to me anymore," with a gutted Eidevall explaining: "After Alex was dancing on the chair, I felt like we were not really Team Sweden here anymore!"

And he hinted at revenge on Wednesday, when Logan double checked as to where his allegiance would lie when England faced the Matildas: “Jonas, so sorry it didn’t work out for Sweden this time, but will you be supporting England tomorrow night, won’t you?”

After a lengthy pause, Eidevall appeared hesitant, leading to further mocking from his colleagues. He did later hesitantly claim he would still be behind Sarina Wiegman and co.

Fraser Watson