Sky Sports were compelled to apologise after their coverage of the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos was disrupted due to a fire alarm. After the broadcast went down, a message appeared on screen stating: “We’re really sorry for this temporary fault.”

Their chief NFL correspondent Neil Reynolds subsequently explained via social media: “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.” Coverage resumed after several minutes of repeated advertisements, with Sky Sports Racing and Sky Sports News also affected.

Before Reynolds offered clarification, viewers were left baffled by the sudden loss of pictures, with many flocking to X seeking answers. Most weren’t particularly pleased about missing crucial moments of the match, though it subsequently emerged the situation was entirely beyond the broadcaster’s control.

@nahsosmall posted: “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.”

@JoelFourBases added: “Did Sky Sports NFL just not fancy covering that break in play? Just left watching the stadium cam for 5 minutes.” @JOGOBONlTO commented: “Why have Sky Sports rolled over the same adverts for the past three minutes I thought I was bugging.”

When coverage resumed, Reynolds announced: “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 the interruption, the Patriots had drawn level with the second quarter still underway, with those analysing the match hoping for no further unwanted disruptions.