SAM MATTERFACE had to apologise to viewers TWICE during ITV’s live coverage of Portsmouth against Leeds.
Tensions were high as Colby Bishop sunk the Championship leaders.
The striker’s neat finish ended Leeds’ 17-game unbeaten run.
And defeat left Daniel Farke’s men above Sheffield United only on goal difference.
Burnley are just another two points adrift in a tight battle for the two automatic promotion spots.
But on a couple of occasions commentator Matterface had to say sorry to armchair observers amid a frenetic clash.
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Both times it was due to swearing from the Fratton Park crowd.
TV viewers could clearly make out the foul language.
And despite Portsmouth’s joy over their match-winner, the words were certainly unsuitable for a family audience.
Having already apologised once, Matterface did it again in stoppage time.
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He intervened after Portsmouth midfielder Freddie Potts was booked.
The unflattering, X-rated verdict of fans following that decision boomed out from the stands.
Matterface responded by handing out some ref justice of his own.
He said: “It’s a yellow card for him (Potts) and we are going to have to give a yellow card to the crowd that keep swearing, I am afraid.
“Because once again it seems the industrial language has crept out onto our broadcast and again we apologise if any offence has been taken.
“It is one of those games, though, where it is getting the better of you.”
Pompey keeper Nicolas Schmid produced vital saves to thwart Leeds – either side of Bishop lifting the only goal on 61 minutes.
Beaten Whites’ boss Farke said: “I was fully aware this would be one of the toughest if not the toughest game in our run-in.
“They are in red hot form at home and we expected how they played – physical, direct and aggressive.
“We coped with many situations really well but we have created so many good chances in this game and you just have to put them to bed.”
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And with his team rising to 17th, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho said: “We were superb, for the goal, the performance, it was all excellent.
“I’m thrilled we got the three points because that will give us so much confidence going forward.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
