Little chance of Celtic-Rangers derby being shown live on free television

As everybody knows by now, Saturday’s Glasgow derby between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most unique in the history of the fixture.

The reason for that, of course, is that the game will be played in the middle of a pandemic. As a result, no fans will be in the stadium at Celtic Park. The pubs will also be shut so supporters can’t even watch the game there.

Police warned fans not to travel to Blackpool to watch game

The police even warned fans, as reported on BBC News, not to head to Blackpool to watch the game in pubs there.

Watching the game in other people’s houses is also not allowed due to current restrictions. Therefore, the Scottish Green Party had a suggestion on Wednesday about the game, and how to prevent the Covid-19 virus spreading.

Celtic players celebrate a goal against Rangers / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

BBC News reported that the Scottish Green Party wants the game to be shown live on free television.

“I’m confident the overwhelming majority of people will continue to follow the rules as they have throughout this crisis, but broadcasting the game free to air would allow everyone to watch at home, reducing the risk of people heading out to watch the game and spreading the virus” said Green Party MSP Alison Johnstone, as quoted by BBC News.

Green Party idea seems sensible

This is a good idea. If the game was shown on BBC Scotland for example, everyone would have the possibility of watching the game. It would also prevent people from going to different households to watch the match.

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Celtic players and fans celebrate a goal in the legendary 6-2 win over Rangers in 2000 (Stu Forster /Allsport)

However, even though we are living in unique times, it seems unlikely this will happen. Sky Sports, which currently shows the game, won’t want to give up the exclusive rights to what is one of their biggest games of the season.

Even though it would be a good gesture from Sky Sports, they have the contract to show the game. Unless the Scottish Government intervenes then that won’t change.

Fans will just have to be responsible when it comes to watching the game, and with what they do afterwards.

In other news, Greg Taylor deserves credit for the role he played in Scotland’s win over the Czech Republic.