This is the moment former Rangers manager Michael Beale was called Ian Beale in a live reporting mishap on Sky Sports.

The ex-Ibrox manager was mistakenly referred to as long-standing EastEnders character Ian in the "Freudian slip of the day" on live TV.

Reporter Keith Downie was discussing developments at Sunderland as Beale was sacked by the club after just 12 games in charge.

Beale - who was dismissed by Rangers chiefs in October - had only been at the helm at the Stadium of Light for 50 days before being relieved of his duties.

Sunderland sit 10th in the English Championship and club chiefs felt an improvement was not evident under Beale after his appointment leading to his dismissal.

Mike Dodds - a member of the Sunderland coaching team since 2021 - has been made interim head coach at the club until the end of the season.

While covering the developing story, Downie said: "...Mike Dodds, safe pair of hands and I think most supporters will be happy because he did well in those three matches in charge between Tony Mowbray and Ian Beale.

"Eh, Ian Beale, sorry Michael Beale back in December."

READ MORE: Ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale sacked by Sunderland

His colleague back in the studio joked: "That's the Freudian slip of the day, possibly of the month so far."

Experinced journalist Downie took the blip in good spirits as he chuckled after correcting his mistake.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC. Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the Club.

"This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future. Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish.

"We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”