TNT Sports’ coverage of the FA Cup semi-final between Leeds and Chelsea was disrupted when presenter Laura Woods was struck by a football. The incident occurred pitchside at Wembley, just before kick-off. Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole was also caught out, miscontrolling the ball before it hit Woods.
Cole’s Miscontrol Leads to On-Air Mishap
The incident happened as the Leeds players warmed up nearby. A deflected pass in a rondo made its way toward the TNT Sports team. Cole attempted to control the ball with his left leg but failed, resulting in the ball brushing Woods.
Woods addressed the incident on air, saying the Leeds players had been close and they had “caught a few strays with the ball”. Cole responded, admitting his touch wasn’t good enough. Woods quipped she expected more from an ex-professional.
Sprinklers Add to the Chaos
The disruptions didn’t end there. The Wembley sprinklers then began their routine, further impacting the broadcast. The panel, including Jermaine Beckford, attempted to continue as normal.
Woods joked that the sprinklers were coming for them and hoped someone had an umbrella. The panel decided to move to avoid getting soaked.
Chelsea Look to the FA Cup
Leeds faced a Chelsea side under interim management. Calum McFarlane is in temporary charge, following Liam Rosenior’s recent sacking after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. McFarlane claimed the FA Cup semi-final could motivate the Chelsea players after their poor form.
McFarlane said that everything possible had been done to prepare the team for the match against Leeds and that he believed the players would be motivated to reach an FA Cup final.