RTÉ pundit Eamon Dunphy apologised to viewers tonight after twice using the F-word on-air ahead of Brazil’s clash with Mexico.

Unaware that he was on air, Dunphy responded to presenter Bill O’Herlihy’s question about the level of expectation on the Brazil players by referring back to Neymar’s second goal from the penalty spot against Croatia.

“When Neymar was shaping up to take that penalty, I thought he was f***ing dreading it,” said Dunphy, as fellow panelist, former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann, toyed with his mobile phone. Dunphy also referred to one of the pitches as a “f***ing bog”.

The experienced O’Herlihy, who began covering the World Cup for RTÉ in 1978 and is set to retire after the tournament, immediately informed Dunphy he was on air before saying sorry to the viewers.

“I apologise for that, obviously that was an inexactitude,” the embarrassed presenter said before moving swiftly on to the panel’s predictions. The clip quickly spread on social media.

Following an ad break, O’Herily addressed viewers and said: “Now before the game you might have heard an unfortunate word so I’ll hand you over to Eamon.” Dunphy said: “I’d just like to apologise to anybody. I thought we were on an ad break and I used a four-letter word. I’m very, very sorry for the offence I’m sure I caused some people. It won’t happen again.” – (Reuters)