Host Kate Scott faced loud groans from a star-studded crowd during Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony at London's Palladium, where she shared hosting duties with former Arsenal star Thierry Henry.
Attendees had already endured a lengthy wait for the event to begin, so murmurs of frustration swept through the auditorium when Scott announced an upcoming commercial break. A similar reaction greeted a second interruption later in the program.
The evening suffered from disorganization as a 45-minute delay pushed back proceedings due to heavy traffic and large crowds blocking the venue entrances.
Online spectators shared similar sentiments, with one social media user posting, "Not the entire room groaning at an ad break lol." Another joked, "Damn this whole event could have been an email."
The 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or took place in London for the first time to honor Sir Stanley Matthews winning the initial prize in 1956.
Several trophies were handed out prior to the main prize, starting with Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal claiming the men's young talent honor for a third straight year, while club colleague Vicky Lopez secured the women's equivalent for the second consecutive year.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente earned the men's coach of the year trophy following his nation's World Cup triumph, and Barcelona boss Pere Romeu took home the women's coaching prize.
Shot-stoppers Unai Simon of Spain and Cata Coll of Barcelona received accolades for their goalkeeping performances.
Arsenal player Bukayo Saka collected the Socrates Award for humanitarian efforts, while Barcelona won women's club of the year and Paris Saint-Germain claimed the men's team award.
Harry Kane ultimately secured the primary prize of the night by winning the Ballon d'Or, marking the first time an Englishman has taken the honor since Michael Owen in 2001.
