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Sky Sports were forced to issue an apology after their coverage of the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos was interrupted because of a fire alarm. Following the pictures disappearing, a message flashed up on screen that read: “We’re really sorry for this temporary fault.”

Their chief NFL correspondent Neil Reynolds later said in a social media message: "This is a little bit frustrating. We just got underway on our AFC Championship game, Broncos lead by seven, and a fire alarm goes off.

“We are out of the studio and making sure everyone gets out safe – that’s the priority.

“If we’re not with you for a few minutes this is why, we will be back soon. I want to watch the game.”

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The action did return after a few minutes of repeated adverts alongside a blank screen with Sky Sports News also impacted.

Prior to Reynolds providing some clarity, viewers were left very confused by the pictures disappearing with many taking to X in order to find out more.

Many were not particularly happy with not being able to watch the game at a crucial moment, though it did later emerge it was very much out of the broadcasters' hands.

@nahsosmall said: "What the hell has happened to the broadcast? We’ve lost CBS coverage and presenters in the Sky studio? This is a Championship game and Sky have fumbled the ball ffs @SkySportsNFL."

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@JoelFourBases added: "Did Sky Sports NFL just not fancy covering that break in play? Just left watching the stadium cam for 5 minutes."

@JOGOBONlTO stated: "Why have Sky Sports rolled over the same adverts for the past three minutes I thought I was bugging."

Upon the return of coverage, Reynolds stated: 7 a-piece and we are back. It is cold in Denver but I am telling you it is cold outside our studio as well but our fire alarm is over."

During their absence, the Patriots levelled proceedings with the first quarter ongoing and those analysing the action hoping for no more unwelcome breaks.