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Exclusive – Sky Sports blamed for post-split Premiership blackout

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There has been a lot of fan anger expressed at Sky Sports for an apparent blackout of the Scottish Premiership following the end of season split.

Supporters and stakeholders have been dismayed that only two games have been selected by Sky for live coverage, the final Old Firm clash of the season on May 2nd, followed by Rangers ‘trophy day’ – the Champions last game of the campaign, against Aberdeen at Ibrox on May 15th.

Comments across social media have questioned this call.

Figure pulling Rangers and Celtic games, as well as the race for third place between Hibs and Aberdeen have been snubbed so far – as has the crucial three-way relegation battle between Hamilton Accies, Kilmarnock and Ross County.

Last month the SPFL’s broadcast partner confirmed their live picks once the rest of the season’s fixtures had been established. 

VitalRangers understands from a close source that Sky are still considering live coverage of a further few games but they are wanting to maximise the return on significant staging costs by pulling in relatively high viewing figures.

In other words, they will only further commit to games that matter.

With the absence of the fans, atmosphere will be replaced by tension and importance – the football will do the talking.

The likes of Aberdeen v Hibs on 12th May as well as a potential last day relegation decider between Hamilton and Kilmarnock would appear to be the prime contenders.

There is also the current situation in which clubs can screen non-televised games to season ticket holders and on a pay per view basis to others, where that option has been taken up.

Sky will likely assess the situation ahead after tonight’s full card – matchday 35 – and make a decision from there.

As part of the new terms that were thrashed out on a five-year deal that commenced this season – with Sky as sole live television broadcasters of the Scottish Premiership – they have the rights to screen up to 48 live games per season.

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