Disney+ has been criticised after an advert break during Tuesday’s live coverage of a Women’s Champions League game meant viewers could not see the action for around three minutes.
The break in coverage occurred with around 15 minutes remaining in the second half of Arsenal’s win over Danish club HB Koge, with some viewers seeing a reel of adverts and other televisions and devices showing the words “commercial break in progress”.
Coverage resumed as normal after three minutes with the commentary team continuing as if unaware any footage of the game had been missing.
Fortunately viewers did not miss any goals or major events during the break, with Arsenal ultimately winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty scored by Mariona Caldentey in the 93rd minute.
The advert break is understood to have been unintentional and occurred as a result of a technical issue, with Disney+ working to ensure similar disruptions do not happen again.
The Disney+ Help account wrote to one fan on X who complained, saying: “Sorry for any frustration! Our Disney+ Standard and Disney+ Premium plans are without commercial interruption, but these plans may include limited promotional content including clips and trailers, as well as branded content or programme sponsor messaging. Live and special events may also have ads.”
Disney+ has an exclusive five-year deal to broadcast the Women’s Champions League in Europe, beginning last year, with matches produced by ESPN.
Its coverage for this season has also come under fire in some quarters for a new studio analysis show called The Hangout, which broadcast live from Amsterdam from 5.30pm to 10.30pm and intends to deliver a “new match-day experience for fans”.
The opening night of Women’s Champions League coverage featured a dog on set, a rotating floor, a quiz on Italy featuring a question on pasta and numerous technical difficulties. Critics said the show resembled a children’s television programme and featured barely any football analysis. It is understood Disney+ will listen to feedback on The Hangout from viewers as the season continues.
