AZ Alkmaar have today released a statement hitting out at Dutch TV companies for failing to pick up Thursday’s Europa League clash with Celtic.
The Hoops take a 2-0 lead to the Netherlands after last Wednesday’s superb Celtic Park success. Interestingly, the game wasn’t picked up by Dutch TV and was only shown via a PPV service on Celtic TV.
And the second leg, taking place in Holland, will now also be snubbed by Dutch broadcasters. The game will be shown on Premier Sports in the UK, giving home-based Celtic fans somewhere to watch it.
Alkmaar have instead managed to secure a stream for supporters via their own media channels. And reacting to the news today on their official website, managing director Robert Eenhorn said the following:
“After we received bids for this match, we now understand better why Celtic did not reach an agreement last week.
“There is more than enough serious interest from abroad, but apparently the situation is different with the Dutch channels. This development is not good for Dutch football and as far as we are concerned a great challenge for the future director of the league.”
AZ strike agreement to screen Celtic match
Alkmaar have stated that they have partnered up with a “renowned and experienced production company” to broadcast the game live via the club’s own media channels.
It’s difficult to understand as to why this game has again been snubbed by Dutch TV. It’s not as if there are a host of other interesting European ties to screen tomorrow night. AZ Alkmaar vs Celtic is undoubtedly the tie of the round.
Alkmaar appear to have a fair understanding of why the game hasn’t been picked up. But it’s something they appear satisfied with. No wonder too, but credit to them for managing to sort something out for their own supporters.
Tomorrow’s game is going to be a crucial one for both sides. From a Celtic perspective, it would be yet further vindication of the incredible work being done by Ange Postecoglou.
But the Hoops need to be ready for an onslaught from the first whistle. Whilst we’ll fancy our own chances of creating opportunities and scoring goals in the Netherlands, Alkmaar will be looking to take the game to us wherever possible.
It’s just a shame that Dutch TV, for one reason or another, haven’t been able to acquire the rights.
In other news, New Celtic signing Carl Starfelt earns Sweden call-up
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