League One play-off final DELAYED with just minutes left after technical failure as players have kickabout on pitch

THE League One play-off final was hit with a major delay just minutes before the final whistle.

Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient battled it out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to try to secure promotion to the Championship.

Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient duked it out at Wembley for promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

The match ended up being halted in the dying embers, with both teams using the break to take on waterCredit: GETTY

Orient looked to keep themselves warm by having a mini kickaboutCredit: SKY SPORTS

A technical malfunction with referee Andrew Kitchen’s microphone kit was the cause for the delayCredit: Getty

Charlton took the lead in the first half through Macaulay Gillesphey and battled valiantly to try to preserve their precious 1-0 lead.

But the match ended up being halted in the dying embers due to a technical malfunction.

Officials paused the match in the 80th minute due to communication issues.

Referee Andrew Kitchen’s communication pack stopped working and left him unable to speak to his assistants and the fourth official.

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Macauley Gillesphey’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for CharltonCredit: ALAMY

Victory at Wembley ended the Addicks’ five-year absence from the ChampionshipCredit: Alamy

Another said: “Long delay due to communication issues with officials.

“What has the game come to? Worst possible situation for the players FFS.”

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Play eventually resumed, although Orient were unable to find a late equaliser to take the game to extra time.

Victory in the winner-takes-all London derby has seen the Addicks return to the Championship following a five-year absence.