Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville slammed the lengthy delay during Norwich's 3-0 win against Watford on Friday evening.
The Premier League game was suspended for nearly 12 minutes following a floodlight failure at Vicarage Road.
With Norwich leading 1-0 in the 60th minute, a section of lights went out and play was immediately stopped.
The troublesome lights went on and off again over the next five or so minutes, leaving anxious spectators frustrated in the stands.
Watford and Norwich are both battling for survival at the bottom of the table and were desperate to win Friday's "six pointer".
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The players complained to referee Mike Dean - who seemed powerless to getting the game on again - throughout the delay.
Commentating on the game for Sky Sports, Carragher and Neville were both unhappy with the frustrating suspension.
"You can still play, you can still see what's going on," said Carragher. "It's not like it's cricket. They can play!
"There's been a lot of talk of teams getting games called of, but this would be a new one. Who decides how strong the floodlights have to be?"
Neville added: "I completely agree with Jamie and his thoughts. The longer this game doesn't continue, they're creating a bigger problem. We're at pitch level and there's no real issue at all.
"Someone at the Premier League needs to get the message to Mike Dean that this game can continue now as this is an absolute nonsense. There have been England games where there has been far less light."
Dean eventually got both managers and captains together, appearing to ask them if they wanted to resume the tense encounter.
They all agreed and Dean got the game underway again, nearly 12 minutes after bringing it to a halt. The fourth official was later forced to add on 15 minutes.
Just seconds after the resumption, Norwich striker Josh Sargent scored his second goal of the game to double their advantage and give the Canaries an unlikely three points.
The result sees Norwich jump outside of the relegation zone into 17th at Watford's expense. The Hornets - who had Emmanuel Dennis sent off and conceded a late own goal through Juraj Kucka - drop to 18th.
Mega-rich Newcastle won't be best pleased with the result, as they are now four points from safety with two games in hand.
Although those inside the stadium found the delay frustrating, fans on social media were loving the surprise entertainment.
Memes of Norwich shareholder Delia Smith - who famously shouted "let's be having you" at the club's supporters during a Premier League game against Manchester City in February 2005 - were shared on Twitter.
One social media user joked Delia called up the Vicarage Road electrician during the power cut and asked: "Where are you? Let's be having you!"
Another suggested sending Delia out on to the pitch with a microphone and asking if there are any electricians in the crowd.
Delia won't be too bothered by the ridicule, though, as Norwich's chances of Premier League survival have sparked into life.
