Brendan Rodgers Praises Celtic for Key TV Deal Decision

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the club for its stance on the latest TV debacle with Premier Sports.

The broadcaster was reportedly keen to show the Hoops’ table-topping clash with Aberdeen a week on Saturday and offered the club an extra £75,000 to do so, and for each extra game at Parkhead they show throughout the season. Celtic, though, rejected the deal, putting fans first.

They didn’t want to inconvenience supporters who Travel from near and far by changing traditional Saturday 3pm kick-offs to later, or potentially earlier, slots for a TV audience.

Sky could have broadcast the match but are only allowed to show five at Celtic Park throughout the campaign. Given they have already shown two, they will likely want to save their remaining slots for the March Glasgow derby, the last game of the season, and a post-split fixture.

Premier was the only option, although Celtic weren’t keen and put their fans first. Boss Rodgers has praised this decision.

“I think the club has shown they have really thought about the supporters,” he said (The Scottish Sun).

“They could have easily taken the money. But they have kept the Games there for supporters who come and see them.

“It’s a shame, it would have been a great Game for television, but it’s not to be.

“But the club have put the fans first – and that is important.”

The Game not being shown on live TV adds yet more value to it for match-going supporters.

Celtic Park will be sold out for the top-of-the-table clash, which is just over a week away.

Both sides head into it with 100% league records this season, yet something has to give in Glasgow’s east end next Saturday as they lock horns for the first time this campaign.