The FA have demanded an explanation from ITV over how live match coverage was interrupted by adverts moments before Everton's extra-time decider against Liverpool.

ITV apologised on Thursday morning but the FA have asked for the reasons behind the mishap to be explained by the broadcaster.

An FA spokesman said on their official website: "It is obviously very disappointing that viewers and fans did not see the only goal of the FA Cup replay between Everton and Liverpool.

"Clearly we are seeking a full explanation from ITV as to why this happened.

"It is important that lessons are learned and that this does not happen again."

It is understood an automated system for broadcasting adverts, which should only be used on "regular schedule" nights, kicked in as the game continued in extra time.

ITV said the problem occurred at the transmission centre and was not the responsibility of the ITV Sport production team.

The broadcaster's executive chairman, Michael Grade, said: "Most importantly I'd like to apologise to all our viewers who were affected by the unprecedented technical error.

"As a football fan myself I was glued to the match and was as disappointed as anyone to miss the goal.

"We have years of experience in dealing with the changes in ad break patterns when games go into extra-time and sometimes penalties - this we have done faultlessly through the Champions League, World Cup and European Championships.

"The glitch was inexcusable and we are awaiting the results of our technical inquiry so we can put in place stringent and immediate procedures to address this."