One of the most anticipated games of the season is expected to be Celtic vs. Aberdeen on October 19.
With both teams in the top two of the standings and Celtic leading just on goal differential, this match is highly important and few would have foreseen it at the beginning of the season. The famed 3pm blackout rule and transmission restrictions, however, will leave supporters who aren’t travelling to Celtic Park without a legitimate method to watch the game live, despite the excitement surrounding the event.
The primary broadcaster of the SPFL, Sky Sports, will not be showing the game. Currently, the broadcaster is limited to five live Celtic Park games every season. This season, Sky has already visited Celtic Park twice: once for Flag Day and once more for the opening Glasgow Derby. Sky is keeping the remaining spots reserved for a derby later in the season and trophy day if Celtic are vying for the championship.
No available streaming option for Celtic
Although there would be no live TV coverage due to the blackout, supporters had hoped that Celtic would provide a pay-per-view streaming option, as they have done for prior games that Sky has not picked up. Regretfully, we have confirmation that the 3pm restriction prohibits even using this route. Even though they have a streaming arrangement with Sky, they are unable to show any domestic games during the Saturday afternoon blackout. The only legal method for fans closer to home to view the action is to be in the stands, although those outside of the UK and Ireland will still be able to watch via Celtic TV.
UEFA-mandated football TV blackouts at 3 p.m. were implemented in the 1960s to preserve live match attendance, especially in the lower leagues. The chairmen of the English Football League were afraid that showing premier league games on Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. might discourage supporters from going to lower-division games. Many clubs at the time, especially those in the lower levels, relied heavily on gate earnings, and a decline in attendance might have a catastrophic effect on their financial stability. It was forbidden to watch live football on television during this time slot in order to protect these profits.
But the blackout seems so archaic now. Fans now have an abundance of options for watching matches because to the growth of digital streaming, worldwide coverage, and contemporary fan participation. Many contend that the restriction is out of step with the modern football landscape, in which kickoffs at 3 p.m. are broadcast to viewers worldwide while UK-based supporters are kept out. In addition, teams no longer depend as much on matchday earnings because of lucrative sponsorships, merchandising, and TV agreements.
In addition, Celtic declined a £75k offer from Premier Sports to televise the game, choosing instead to avoid upsetting fans with yet another scheduling alteration for what they saw as an inadequate sum. Although it makes sense that Celtic would want to give attendees’ matchday experiences top priority, this means that many supporters won’t have a legal way to watch.
A lot of supporters are frustrated because they feel excluded from what seems to be one of the biggest events in Celtic-Aberdeen history, especially with such a major game approaching. Unfortunately, thousands of fans won’t be able to watch lawfully from home, given the mounting excitement and the clubs’ top-of-the-table positions.
There is a tangible sense of excitement from both groups of spectators as kickoff approaches. It is unfortunate that so many people will not be able to witness what promises to be an exciting competition, unless they are among the fortunate ones inside Celtic Park.
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