The highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Celtic and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership will not be televised, leaving many fans without tickets feeling frustrated.
Scheduled for a 3 pm kick-off this Saturday, the match falls victim to broadcasting restrictions that limit the number of live games aired from Premiership stadiums each season.
Sky Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights for the Scottish Premiership, has opted not to show the match to avoid reaching its limit so early in the season. Additionally, Celtic has chosen not to participate in supplementary broadcast packages, prioritising the matchday experience for fans attending the games.
Sutton’s Critique: A Call for Coverage
Former Celtic striker and Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton voiced his disappointment regarding the absence of live coverage for this crucial fixture. While acknowledging the complexities that broadcasters face due to contractual obligations, Sutton also highlighted the clubs’ commitment to preserving the matchday experience for their supporters.
He cited a recent example of a rescheduled theRangers game that resulted in decreased attendance, underscoring the delicate balance clubs must maintain between live broadcasts and filling stadiums.
In his column for the Daily Record, Sutton stated, “Do I think Celtic vs. Aberdeen should be screened live? Absolutely. It’s a top-of-the-table clash and the game of the season so far. But the broadcasters have their hands tied.”
He continued, “I understand Celtic wanting to defend their season ticket sales and not wanting to risk punters not turning up. We saw what happened with theRangers game against St Johnstone on a Sunday night recently, where there were empty seats all over Ibrox.”
The Financial Balancing Act
Sutton expressed confidence that Celtic fans would show up regardless of whether the match was televised, given the significance of the encounter. However, he acknowledged the financial and logistical challenges that lead clubs to avoid disrupting traditional kick-off times.
“The restriction on the amount of home games is a real conundrum,” he explained. “What happens if Sky does show this one – but then have busted their allowance for Celtic Park when the title race gets into the home straight? There would be an outcry from fans. You can’t win really.”
Sutton further added, “If the game was shifted to another time, there would be moaning about the scheduling. As far as I am concerned, I would love to see the biggest games in Scotland on the box, whether it’s Celtic against the Dons, (the)Rangers facing Hearts, the Edinburgh or Dundee derbies, you name it.”
Ultimately, Sutton concluded that the clubs themselves are responsible for the limitations on televised coverage, stating, “They only allow a certain number of games and the financial incentives to take on a couple more are obviously not lucrative enough for Celtic to accept.”
As fans eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter, many are left wondering if the current broadcasting landscape will evolve to better accommodate such significant matches in the future.
Please note that the Celtic v Aberdeen match will of course be shown live of Celtic TV for subscribers based outside of Britain and Ireland.
