A moment of unexpected levity punctuated the tension of a crucial Europa League match between Rangers and Union Saint-Gilloise (USG), leaving football fans in stitches. During the second half, USG defender Ross Sykes took a powerful shot from Rangers’ Ross McCausland directly to the face, halting play. While BBC commentator Neil McCann winced sympathetically upon seeing the replay, co-commentator Steven Thompson, affectionately known as “Tommo,” responded with a surprisingly comical outburst: “In the face!” delivered in a distinctly humorous tone. This unexpected remark caught listeners off guard, sparking widespread amusement and prompting one fan to share the audio clip online, which quickly went viral.
The social media reaction to Thompson’s quip was overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the unexpected humor. Many described the commentary as “wildly inappropriate” and “outstanding,” highlighting the comedic contrast between the seriousness of the situation and Thompson’s reaction. Others speculated that Thompson may have forgotten to mute his microphone, adding to the overall amusement. The incident became a viral sensation, with numerous fans sharing the clip and adding their own humorous commentary. Phrases like “Can’t stop playing it” were common, reflecting the infectious nature of Thompson’s spontaneous remark.
The incident also sparked discussion about Thompson’s past commentary controversies. In late 2020, he was temporarily removed from BBC commentary duties following comments deemed inappropriate during an Accrington Stanley match, including references to “handbags” and “the referee’s wife.” He had also received a warning in 2018 for language deemed below BBC standards, including a remark perceived as sexist. This history added another layer to the reaction to the “In the face!” incident, with some suggesting that Thompson may have once again crossed the line.
However, the overall response was undeniably positive, indicating that many found Thompson’s remark genuinely funny and a welcome moment of lightheartedness during a tense match. The incident highlighted the unpredictability of live sports broadcasting and the potential for unscripted moments to become viral sensations. It also demonstrated the power of humor to transcend potentially controversial territory, with many fans choosing to interpret Thompson’s remark as simply a funny, albeit slightly inappropriate, reaction to the on-field incident.
Beyond the comedic interlude, Rangers secured a vital 2-1 victory, propelling them into the Europa League last 16. Goals from Nicolas Raskin and Vaclav Cerny ensured Rangers’ progression, despite a late consolation goal from Kevin Mac Allister for USG. This win, combined with victories for Manchester United and Tottenham in their respective matches, ensured that all British clubs in the Europa League advanced directly to the knockout stage, avoiding the playoff round. The draw for the last 16 set up a potential clash between Rangers and one of several teams, including Bodo/Glimt, Anderlecht, Twente, or Fenerbahce.
The Europa League knockout stages promise exciting matchups, with several intriguing potential ties determined by the playoff round results. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the group stage will compete in these playoffs, with the winners progressing to face the top eight finishers. The draw has already set the stage for several potential blockbuster clashes, including a possible all-Italian showdown between Lazio and Roma, and a challenging tie for Manchester United against one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Midtjylland, or AZ Alkmaar. The “In the face!” incident, although a fleeting moment of levity, ultimately became a memorable footnote to a crucial night of Europa League action.
