Micah Richards opens up about ‘panic’ in Sky Sports studio after PUNDITS were forced to commentate on Chelsea v Aston Villa clash from Anfield – as he explains why he was left ‘floundering’ on TV in direct

Micah Richards admitted he ‘floundered’ on live TV after Sky Sports pundits were forced to step in to comment Chelseathe match against Villa Aston.

A major technical problem at Stamford Bridge led to an audio cutout, jamming host David Jones into an impromptu – and awkward – live segment.

Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge – who were all at Anfield – also took the mic for the first four minutes of the match as the broadcaster worked on a fix.

But stadium commentary returned in time with Bill Leslie and Alan Smith calling for action when Nicolas Jackson scored the opening goal.

Presenter Jones apologized for technical problems shortly after kick-off.

Now, a day later, Richards has opened up about the technical issues and admitted he was “absolutely coping” throughout his co-commentary cameo.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards explained: “Like you said, the sound is gone. You know what it’s like when you’re at a broadcaster. Everyone panics!

“Dave Jones says we basically need to talk about the pictures and such. Dave starts talking throughout the game, then he turns to me: ‘And Micah, what about Chelsea‘is the system here?’.

“Normally, in co-communication, you are in the game and can see exactly what is happening. We wondered if he was going to play with three or four at the back…

“So I go on and say, ‘Oh yeah, they’re playing three at the back or four at the back’ but I don’t even see what’s happening! “You know what my eyes look like!

“The TV is about 20 feet away, so I was absolutely flying it. If ever it was an audition, I failed miserably!’

Laughing alongside Richards on the podcast, Alan Shearer said: “It’s not easy to co-market, is it Micah?

Gary Lineker then said: “Especially if you’re not at the game! And you can’t see!

Richards replied: “There was no tactical angle or anything! I was in trouble.

The image of the stadium cut out at the start of the match, but came back after a few seconds, but without the sound.

Viewers were always able to follow the first exchanges but without the programmed comments from the team stationed on the ground.

Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer gave Chelsea a win to move closer to title contenders and local rivals Arsenal in second place.