Fleetwood Town’s Arsenal upset prompts four Sky Sports apologies after awkward interview

Sky Sports apologised four times after an impromptu post-match interview with Fleetwood Town forward Connor Houghi, following one of the biggest shocks in the history of the English League Cup.

The fourth-tier side eliminated Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time, securing a place in the quarter-finals.

Fleetwood Town, known as the Cod Army, converted all five of their penalties. Goalkeeper Jay Lynch then saved Bruno Guimaraes’ effort to complete a remarkable victory over Arsenal.

Houghi scored the decisive penalty and was interviewed by Sky Sports immediately after the match. The conversation quickly became uncomfortable after he appeared to use inappropriate language while explaining what had gone through his mind before taking the winning kick.

“I don’t know,” Houghi said, according to the Daily Mail. “Pick my spot, put it in the top corner and run as fast as I can. It’s crazy. I’m so proud of the lads. It shows how good a team we are.”

Juliet Ferrington, presenter of the Touchline programme, apologised straight away for the language used during the interview. She repeated the apology at the end of the conversation, while Houghi appeared embarrassed as he looked towards her and the camera.

When coverage returned to the studio, Sky Sports issued two further apologies for the language. The repeated statements left some viewers and supporters confused, particularly after Ferrington had already addressed the incident on air.

The result represented a major upset for Fleetwood Town, who compete in the third tier of English football, against an Arsenal side that had entered the tie as Premier League champions.

Fleetwood’s listed fixture after the cup victory is against Bristol Rovers on 31 October 2026 in the English third tier. Arsenal are listed to face Liverpool in the Premier League on 1 November 2026.