During the BBC's coverage of Norway's World Cup match against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, co-commentator Danny Murphy shared an unexpected anecdote about his cat.
Murphy, alongside commentator Steve Bower, was covering the last-32 fixture when Fulham winger Oscar Bobb was introduced as a substitute in the 71st minute. Bobb's first touch of the ball sent it deep into the Ivory Coast's half, prompting Murphy to veer off-topic. "Here's Bobb's first involvement," Bower noted. After a brief pause, Murphy responded, "I used to have a cat called Bob. He jumped in the back of a Royal Mail van and lost him."
Murphy followed up with a deadpan "sad really... anyway," which elicited a laugh from Bower. Bower repeated "anyway" before refocusing the commentary on the game.
The brief diversion occurred as Norway held a 1-0 lead. However, the Ivory Coast equalized just one minute later through Amad Diallo. Norway eventually secured a 2-1 victory with a late goal from Erling Haaland, advancing to face Brazil in the next round.
The unusual commentary moment sparked reactions on social media, with one viewer humorously suggesting that Royal Mail should have returned the cat.
Murphy's story followed Norway winger Oscar Bobb coming off the bench as a substitute in their eventual 2-1 win.
Murphy's deadpan delivery prompted laughter from commentator Steve Bower.
