THE League One play-off final was hit with a major delay just minutes before the final whistle.

Charlton Athletic and Leyton Orient battled it out at Wembley on Sunday afternoon to try to secure promotion to the Championship.

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Charlton took the lead in the first half through Macaulay Gillesphey and battled valiantly to try to preserve their precious 1-0 lead.

But the match ended up being halted in the dying embers due to a technical malfunction.

Officials paused the match in the 80th minute due to communication issues.

Referee Andrew Kitchen's communication pack stopped working and left him unable to speak to his assistants and the fourth official.

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The game ended up being postponed for a whopping EIGHT MINUTES.

Both sets of players decided to use the unexpected break to take on fluids.

And a handful of Orient players tried to keep their blood pumping by having a kickabout.

Footie fans flocked to social media to comment on the shock delay, with one saying: "Diabolical in the League One play-off final."

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Another said: "Long delay due to communication issues with officials.

"What has the game come to? Worst possible situation for the players FFS."

Play eventually resumed, although Orient were unable to find a late equaliser to take the game to extra time.

Victory in the winner-takes-all London derby has seen the Addicks return to the Championship following a five-year absence.