Sky Sports was forced to issue an apology after Hull City captain Lewie Coyle used an expletive during an emotional post-match interview following the Tigers' 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff final.
The 28-year-old right-back could not contain his emotions as he spoke about his late father moments after captaining his boyhood club to promotion to the Premier League.
In the pitchside interview, Coyle said: "It's tough, there's just one man (his dad) I celebrate with, he's not with us but I look up to the sky every game, I looked up today, he's with me. I know he's with me, next best thing my family are here that have been here since day one."
He continued: "There's probably not many people that would have thought I'd captain a side to the Premier League, even saying it out loud seems a little bit wild, just an honest kid. There's certainly one man that would've believed in me and that's my old man."
Coyle then added: "That's all I told myself through the game, he would've been saying, 'you can do it son, f*** them' and I shouldn't of swore, I apologise, I had to get it in there because that's how he spoke. He got us over the line today, I know for a fact he did it."
Pitchside reporter Jonathan Oakes allowed the Hull captain to finish his emotional statement before issuing an apology on air. Oakes said: "Well said Lewie, we apologise for the language we know apologies are running high."
After the interview concluded, lead presenter David Prutton added: "Just to reiterate, emotions are running very high. Apologies for any bad language you may have heard."
Sky Sports' swift apology came as viewers had heard the uncensored comment live on television. The network's presenters handled the situation professionally, acknowledging the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the club's return to the top flight after a lengthy absence.
Coyle, a lifelong Hull City fan who came through the club's academy, has been a key figure in the team's successful campaign. The playoff final victory at Wembley secured the Tigers' place in the Premier League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
