Trapped Chilean miners were given a special treat - the opportunity to watch their national team play football.

Footage of Chile's friendly against Ukraine last night was beamed down to the miners through a fibre optic cable sent down a bore hole.

The 33 miners were able to watch a 50 in image of the action on a wall in their underground home.

Former international star Franklin Lobos acted as commentator, while Chile's national football team wore T-shirts with messages of support for the miners, The Sun reports.

The men, who have been trapped since August 5 following a landslide at the gold and copper mine in the Atacama desert, sung and cheered their team on.

They could be released next month despite original estimates the rescue operation could last until Christmas. (ANI)