Celtic fans have not been kind to the current leaders of the Parkhead club, despite their success and financial stability. The recent decision by the club to opt out of a television deal that would have shown 20 Premiership matches a season was met with overwhelming support from fans. The move was made to avoid inconveniencing supporters with more early kick-off times on Sundays.
While Celtic’s decision may have pleased fans, the fact that their match against Aberdeen will not be televised across the UK raises questions about the state of Scottish football. The lack of live coverage for such a high-profile match is a missed opportunity to showcase the game to a wider audience and attract more investment.
The longstanding blackout of matches at 3pm on Saturdays is an outdated rule that dates back to the 1960s. While only a few countries in Europe still adhere to this rule, it is time for the Scottish Football Association to reconsider its stance. By lifting the blackout, the SFA could open up new revenue streams and prevent Scottish football from being seen as a football backwater.
In the age of illegal streaming services, fans have more access to games than ever before. By embracing modern technology and monetizing live matches, the SFA could bring Scottish football into the 21st century and attract more viewers. It’s time for the SFA to end the TV blackout and bring Scottish football to a wider audience.