ESPN have issued an apology to its viewers, after footage of the Twin Towers appeared in ABC's coverage of the Game 1 play-off clash between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat.
The Knicks took on the Heat in their opening play-off series clash on Sunday, with the visiting side prevailing in a close game, 108-101 to take a 1-0 lead. During the match at Madison Square Gardens, broadcaster ABC included an overlay of the New York city skyline.
The use of the video however has been slammed by viewers, after the Twin Towers appeared, over 20 years on from when they were hit and destroyed during the 9/11 terror attacks.
The image of the towers appeared on TV screens for eight seconds, as arial footage showed them standing behind the iconic Statue of Liberty, before coverage cut away to an ad-break. Apologising for the use of the clip, ESPN told Fox News: "We mistakenly used an old stock image and we apologise."
NBA fans watching on at home could not believe their eyes, with many slamming ABC's stock footage use on social media. One shocked fan - @Btchristian2000 - wrote on Twitter: "How does this happen?"
Whilst @khaled74 went on to add: "Pay attention at the end. How old is this footage ABC is using?! What is goin on here?!" Before @6PACandOtto posted: "That should NEVER happen!!"
Mirror Sport has approached ESPN for further comment.
It was a frustrating night for the Knicks, with their hunt for a first NBA Championship title since 1973 taking a huge hit. The New York team were forced to play without one of their star men in Julius Randle, but head coach Tom Thibodeau has reassured Knicks fans that his team have 'more than enough without Randle.
He said: "I planned both ways. I planned with him going, and planned if he didn't go," Thibodeau said. "Once they make a decision, that's it, and you live with it, and you get ready with what you have. We have more than enough."
