Sven-Goran Eriksson’s interview with Kay Burley is constantly interrupted by ‘Lembit Opik’

Sky News viewers were left in stitches this morning after former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s ‘car crash’ TV interview with Kay Burley was interrupted by Lembit Opik who rang him seven times. 

The hilarious blunder took place while Swedish-born Mr Eriksson, 73, was trying to tell Miss Blurley how he learnt to speak English, ahead of England’s game against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

As he began to explain, Mr Eriksson suddenly received a call – and a photo of the former Lib Dem MP’s face flashed up on the screen repeatedly.

The gaffe fuelled rumours on social media that whoever had set up Mr Eriksson’s video conferencing account had mistaken him for Mr Opik.

However, Times red box editor Patrick Maguire posted a statement from Mr Opik which said: ‘I didn’t intend to call him while he was being interviewed. It shows the dangers of our virtually connected social media world.

‘My advice is: before you call Sven (or anyone else) check he’s not on the news before you press the call button – as mistakes cannot be corrected after your call goes live on national television! 

‘I can only apologise to Sven for gatecrashing his Sky interview! Let’s hope England don’t end up as offside as I did this morning.’ 

Sky News viewers were left in stitches after former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s interview with Kay Burley was constantly interrupted by bizarre ‘Lembit Opik’ phone calls

As he began to explain how he learnt English, Mr Eriksson suddenly received a call – and a photo of the former Lib Dem MP’s face flashed up on the screen repeatedly

The hilarious blunder took place while Swedish-born Mr Eriksson, 73, was trying to tell Miss Blurley how he learnt to speak English, ahead of England’s game against Croatia

Mr Eriksson managed to ignore the first call entirely and continue: ‘The language is very important… if you can’t communicate with the players, you are out. It’s very difficult to learn with an interpreter.’ 

However, Mr Opik’s photo appeared again, this time with a ringtone – prompting Mr Eriksson to flash a cheeky smile while ending the call.

Miss Burley then quipped: ‘Quick thought before I ask you one more question because it does look like Mr Opik does want to talk to you; your biggest regret from being England manager?’

Before Mr Eriksson could answer her question, he was forced to end yet another call – and kept his eye on his phone throughout the rest of the interview. 

Later, TalkSport presenter Jake Watson tweeted: ‘Just had Sven Goran Eriksson on TalkSPORT 2 talking about England… Only, I think the company who has set up his Zoom chat for today has accidentally mistaken him for Lembit Opik.’

Before Mr Eriksson could answer her question, he was forced to end yet another call – and kept his eye on his phone throughout the rest of the interview

Reacting to the blunder, one Twitter user said: ‘The reason it happened is hilarious. Whoever set Sven’s account up used Lembit Opik’s picture instead of Sven’

He added: ‘Are Lembit and Sven friends? I don’t believe he’s calling him on repeat. I’m going to stick with my theory…’   

Reacting to the blunder, one Twitter user said: ‘The reason it happened is hilarious. Whoever set Sven’s account up used Lembit Opik’s picture instead of Sven’.

Some called the blunder ‘phenomenal’ and ‘absolutely amazing’. Others publicly questioned how Mr Eriksson and Mr Opik know each other. 

Meanwhile, one person asked: ‘Has Sven-Goran Eriksson always looked like [Tory MP] Peter Bone, or is it just me?’

Another Twitter user posted: ‘Is Lembit calling Sven-Goran Eriksson or calling Sky studios? And which is weirder?’

The gaffe took place on Miss Burley’s second day back at work, following her six-month suspension from Sky News after she was caught breaking lockdown rules in central London to celebrate her 60th birthday.