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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic 'opt out' of SPFL TV deal contract as blackout confirmed for Aberdeen clash

Celtic have reportedly opted out of an SPFL contract with broadcaster Premier Sports.

It's reported the Parkhead club have turned down money from the TV company and removed themselves from a contract over broadcast rights.

As a result, the Scottish Premiership table-topping clash between Celtic and Aberdeen will not be shown live on TV having fallen during the 3pm Saturday afternoon slot.

The Daily Mail reports Celtic officials were reluctant to change the kick-off time for the match to allow for Premier Sports to provide live TV coverage.

It's thought club staff did not wish to inconvenience season-ticket holders by moving the kick-off time at short notice from the scheduled arrangement within the broadcast blackout zone.

A deal between the SPFL and Premier Sports handed the company the right to broadcast two additional games from any Scottish Premiership stadium - on top of the Sky Sports agreement.

Premier Sports' Scottish football contract - separate from their League Cup sponsorship - offers the right to cover up to 20 games live on TV.


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Sky Sports have the main Scottish football TV deal with up to 60 live matches to be shown a season from the Premiership - that contract runs until 2029.

However, Sky Sports will not show the match between Celtic and Aberdeen having already broadcast from Parkhead twice - from the maximum of five at each ground - and with selections made in early September.

Premier Sports could have stepped in to cover the match live - for an additional £75,000 fee, which is doubled to £150,000 if two matches are broadcast from one venue in the season - but Celtic have knocked back the offer and opted out of the contract.

It comes after Rangers saw their attendance dip for the televised match against St Johnstone at Ibrox last weekend after it was moved to be shown on Premier Sports.

The change in fixture time to an 8pm slot saw fans turn out in lesser numbers -with the added complications of the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow and the SUbway closing at 6pm.

Celtic's choice to opt out of the TV deal is the second occasion in which a club has removed themselves from a commercial contract after Rangers' lengthy dispute over the cinch league sponsorship.

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