Fans were flocking en masse to watch the Matildas play against France on Saturday.
But fans who headed along early to the MCG were left seeing red when the big screens switched the action off.
A chorus of boos rang out around the stadium as messages were displayed on the screens advising patrons to switch to personal streaming devices.
“To continue watching the Matildas, please switch to your personal streaming device or available screens throughout the stadium,” the perplexing message read.
News Corp journalist Lauren Wood wrote: “Seriously, wot?! Didn’t see any T-minus 40-minute deadline mentioned in any of the glowing spruiking that stakeholders did of the planned broadcast this week. Bizarre move.”
The MCG tweeted early on Saturday morning that the game would be shown on the big screens until both teams ran out onto the ground.
“The match will be shown on the big screens until the Blues and Dees run out, and will remain on all TVs around the ground #TilitsDone,” the tweet read.
News.com.au contacted the AFL for a statement.
Earlier, SEN’s Sam Edmund said on Crunch Time: “FIFA and the AFL are the most unlikely arranged marriage you’re ever likely to see.
“The AFL have surprised many with their willingness to do this, it is a begrudgingly willingness as well, there’s no way they would want this played but there’s a real element of not wanting to shoot Bambi, and fair enough, it’s the right thing to do.
“Behind the scenes over the last couple of days, the negotiations have been frustrating, bitter and they certainly got ugly.
“The Matildas versus France quarter-final will be shown on the MCG big screen from the kick-off until Carlton and Melbourne run out on the MCG from somewhere between 7.07pm and 7.10pm tonight.
“If the game finishes in regulation time, this is no problem, but if it goes to extra time and then penalties, it will be a big problem.”
Fans flock to watch match across the country
Meanwhile, ABC reporter Maddie Date posted a clip of fans in Sydney writing, “Insane here at [Sydney] Olympic Park. This is for one of six screens. I love this country.”
The footage showed Matildas supporters absolutely jammed into the site, decked out in green and gold.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Swans edged out the Gold Coast Football Club 114 – 90 and plenty of fans stuck around to watch the Matildas game at the Sydney Cricket Ground, mixing up the red and white colours with green and gold.
Not to be outdone, the Victorian fans also turned out in force.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wrote: “Come on Tillies. We’re all behind you,” as he shared images of the scenes at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.
Matildas supporters around the country have also been glued to their screens. About 2.4 million Aussies tuned in to watch our girls play Canada and 2.2 million watched the Matildas face off against Denmark.
Saturday’s game is also on track to be a record-breaker.
Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is reportedly packed to capacity.