Celtic have announced a Pay-Per-View (PPV) option for supporters who can’t make the Dundee United game on Saturday.
As has often been the case over the last two years, owing largely to Covid-19, clubs like Celtic have offered a one-off payment plan for games not shown on TV. Therefore, Celtic and StreamDigital have again come up with the goods [Celtic FC].
Given the 3pm kick-off time, there are broadcasting rules surrounding Saturday afternoon kick-offs and big sports channels. Specifically for English supporters, though, that’s a problem.
According to the club [Celtic FC]: “Due to UEFA broadcasting rules, it’s not possible for StreamDigital to offer live matches between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on a Saturday to supporters located in England.
“As a result, the PPV service for this weekend’s match is on sale to those in other areas of the UK & Ireland only.”
An annoyance for the hundreds of Celtic supporting pubs in England, as well as viewers who wanted to see the Hoops in action from their homes. Oddly, it was Motherwell chief executive Alan Burrows who most succinctly explained this quagmire.
3 months ago, the likeable ‘Well chief cited the UEFA laws specifically signed up to by the English FA that prevents these kinds of broadcasts.
For those who can watch it on Pay-Per-View, it should be another fascinating clash for the Hoops.
Priced at £12.99, it’s a more reasonable PPV package than we’ve seen from around the league. The pricing from Celtic has been consistent; the Hibs game was also £12.99.
Celtic offer fans a PPV boost for Dundee United but England issue will still rankle
It’s odd governance. As we argued last time this issue popped up, it’s hard to know why the English FA would prevent their country’s Celtic fans from watching a Scottish Premiership game.
Perhaps they’re worried that Celtic fans, who’d watch the game if it were on, would eschew their local team in order to see the Bhoys on PPV.
It’s unfortunate. For those who can see it though, it is a significant boost. Not only that, it should provide Celtic with extra match day revenue, even though supporters are fully allowed back into Paradise.
Dundee United, as we know, can be a frustrating team to play against. The last time they visited Celtic Park, Ian Harkes’ equalising header saw the points shared. Jeandro Fuchs had a particularly good game, keeping the Hoops midfield quiet.
However at Tannadice, it was a different story. In early December, goals from Rogic, Turnbull and Scales saw off the Terriers [Sky Sports]. It was another crucial away win.
So, we don’t know what kind of game we’ll get! On current form, it’s the Hoops you’d expect to see come away with the 3 points. However, Dundee United are one of just two teams to score at Celtic Park.
It should be a cracker, either in person or through the streaming service.
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