Disney+ criticised for advert break throughout Women’s Champions League sport

Disney+ has been criticised by viewers after an advert break interrupted the second half of Tuesday’s reside tv protection of Arsenal’s opening Women’s Champions League fixture.

Fans have been unable to see the motion for about three minutes, with about quarter-hour remaining, throughout Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over the Danish aspect HB Køge.

Some viewers noticed the adverts, whereas others have been introduced with the phrases “business break in progress” on an orange backdrop. Once match protection resumed, the commentary workforce continued with out commenting on the disruption, seemingly unaware it had occurred. No objectives have been missed and Arsenal scored the winner by Mariona Caldentey’s 93rd-minute penalty.

Disney+ has been approached for remark. The streaming platform’s Women’s Champions League protection is produced by ESPN. Many followers vented frustration on social media throughout and after the advert break, and a few acquired replies from the Disney+ Help account on X, which wrote to 1 fan, Emelia: “Sorry for any frustration, Emelia! Our Disney+ Standard and Disney+ Premium plans are with out business interruption, however these plans could embody restricted promotional content material together with clips and trailers, in addition to branded content material or programme sponsor messaging. Live and particular occasions can also have adverts.”

However, it’s understood Tuesday’s interruption was unintended and was attributable to a technical problem, which Disney+ is known to be taking steps to deal with.

In 2025, Disney+ secured a five-year deal to broadcast the competitors solely throughout Europe, together with to viewers within the United Kingdom, changing the earlier rights holders, Dazn.

The streaming platform’s protection additionally drew criticism from some followers for the unusually quirky nature of its evaluation present, which included the presence of a canine within the studio and a quiz about Italy, together with a query about pasta. A brand new present referred to as The Hangout, which aired reside from 5pm till 10.30pm BST to cowl the 5.45pm and 8pm kick-offs, additionally included company having fun with a vegetable platter whereas discussing the video games.

The broadcaster Flo Lloyd-Hughes wrote on X: “Disney’s new UWCL protection is the closest we’ve seen to CBBC soccer (derogatory). I wouldn’t be shocked if we see somebody gunged for making a flawed prediction or maybe Raven will make a cameo. Keep stopping to remind myself this isn’t a dream.”

It is known Disney intends to take heed to viewers suggestions relating to The Hangout because the season progresses.