Sky Sports were forced to apologise after losing commentary during the first half of Fulham vs Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal opened the scoring when Gabriel Magalhaes headed in an inswinging corner, but viewers did not have commentary for the crucial moment, with Sky experiencing technical problems. Presenter Dave Jones had to step in and talk over the action after the broadcaster lost connection to the lead commentator and co-commentator Alan Smith.
Fans were quick to joke that Sky Sports had gone silent as a show of solidarity with Gary Lineker, who has been suspended by the BBC over his tweets. "Sky Sports showing solidarity with the MOTD team," one fan wrote on Twitter.
"The chances of Sky Sports losing commentary today after everything going on with the BBC is just unreal," laughed another. "Has the Sky Sports commentary team gone out on strike too!?!" wrote another.
One fan added: "Nice of Sky Sports to show solidarity with Gary Lineker by pulling their commentary 20 minutes into Fulham vs Arsenal."
Lineker's suspension has plunged the BBC into crisis this weekend, with the broadcaster being forced into showing a 20-minute version of Match of the Day without a presenter, pundits or commentators. Meanwhile the BBC's radio programming, WSL coverage and Match of the Day 2 have also been affected.
Lineker was suspended after refusing to apologise for tweets which commented on the Government's illegal immigration bill.
It's business as usual for Sky Sports, who had a full punditry team and commentary duo at Craven Cottage for Sunday's 2pm kick-off. They were on hand to explain the VAR decision to rule out an Antonee Robinson own-goal early on, but missed the opening goal.
Leandro Trossard swung in a teasing corner, with Gabriel rising above everyone else to head past Bernd Leno. The Gunners made it 2-0 shortly after when Gabriel Martinelli netted.
BBC director general Tim Davie issued a grovelling apology on Saturday night after the corporation's decision to suspend Lineker sparked an almighty backlash which decimated their sports schedule.
"I’m sorry audiences have been affected and they haven’t got the programming," Davie told the BBC.
"As a keen sports fan I know to miss programming is a real blow and I’m sorry about that. We are working very hard to resolve this situation and make sure we get output on air."
