Sky issue a second rate snub
From Back Page their live cameras to Partick Thistle’s Firhill 24 hours later in the hope Celtic’s dream of becoming Scottish football’s Invincibles remains alive.
Sky have permission to broadcast four league games a season from each Premiership ground but have only been live at Ibrox twice – the opening-day match against Hamilton Accies and the Old Firm clash on December 31.
Sky will also beam the Old Firm game from Ibrox on April 29 but it’s their call to show the match against Hearts on May 13 from Edmiston Drive, rather than the clash with the Dons four days later, that has raised eyebrows.
The snub does not involve BT Sport as the terms of their contract with the SPFL excludes the broadcast of live matches from Parkhead or Ibrox.
SPFL insiders claim it’s an acknowledgement from Sky they already consider the race to finish runnerup settled, with the Dons nine points ahead despite last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Pedro Caixinha’s side.
By opting for a live game against Hearts, Sky clearly believe the battle for third is more intriguing, with St Johnstone also muscling in on an automatic spot for next season’s Europa League qualifiers.
The TV firm declined to comment but sources insist Celtic’s bid to go through the league season undefeated is a much better story.
The profile of Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers in England is another selling point behind the decision.
A Sky source said: “We’re focusing on Celtic going unbeaten which is pretty unprecedented, not just in Scottish football but in world football.
“We’re showing their final away game at Firhill and their home match against Hearts on May 21 when they’ll be presented with the Premiership trophy. It’s a big story and we want to follow it.”
An SPFL spokesman said: “In weighing up their decisions, broadcasters no doubt take into account the scheduling of fixtures as well as the maximum number of games that can be broadcast from each stadium.”
The SPFL recently extended their deal with Sky and BT Sport until 2020. The duo currently share 60 matches a season and pay a reported £15million a year.
BT Sport are keen to go it alone from 2020 and Sky have recently been accused of taking their eye off the ball of their Scottish football coverage.
Ross County were the main losers of the postsplit fixtures schedule after being told they will end the Premiership campaign having played more games away than at home.
Jim McIntyre’s side will play 18 home games and 20 away with fixtures against Inverness on April 28 and Hamilton on May 16 the only two to come in Dingwall after the split.