REFFIN' HELL

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

The thousands of fans in attendance at Wembley had no clue what caused the delay

Chisanga Malata , Senior Digital & Print Combat Sports Reporter
Published: 14:58, 25 May 2025
|
Updated: 15:24, 25 May 2025
League One play-off final DELAYED with just five minutes left after technical failure as players have kick about on pitch
FINAL DELAYED
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    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.

    Soccer players on a field during a game.
    Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient duked it out at Wembley for promotion to the ChampionshipCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
    Nathan Jones, Charlton Athletic head coach, at a soccer match.
    The match ended up being halted in the dying embers, with both teams using the break to take on waterCredit: GETTY
    Soccer players on a field during a game.
    Orient looked to keep themselves warm by having a mini kickaboutCredit: SKY SPORTS
    Referee adjusting his microphone during a soccer match.
    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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    The game ended up being postponed for a whopping EIGHT MINUTES.

    Both sets of players decided to use the unexpected break to take on fluids.

    And a handful of Orient players tried to keep their blood pumping by having a kickabout.

    Footie fans flocked to social media to comment on the shock delay, with one saying: “Diabolical in the League One play-off final.”

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    Charlton Athletic players celebrating a goal at Wembley Stadium.
    Macauley Gillesphey’s first-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory for CharltonCredit: ALAMY
    Charlton Athletic players celebrating a goal.
    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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    MESSAGE TO DAD
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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.