Celtic Decision Branded “Farcical”

Celtic have opted to turn down Premier Sports’ offer of £75,000 to broadcast their top-of-the-table clash against Aberdeen, a decision that would have required moving the kick-off time.

With both teams boasting a 100% record so far this season, the fixture promises to be a great Game.

However, the club has prioritised the matchday experience for supporters over accommodating TV companies who are offering pennies.

Former STV man and Motherwell Content Marketing Chief, Grant Russell, was outraged by the decision, tweeting: “Questions need to be asked of a leadership that allowed clubs to opt out of a TV deal. It’s a farcical scenario.”

While Russell might see it as a failure of leadership, many view it as the opposite. Allowing clubs to protect the interests of their season-ticket holders and match-going fans, rather than chasing a quick financial boost, is a decision that respects the core of Football—the supporters.

Celtic’s stance reflects a broader recognition of the importance of the matchday experience. The decision not to move the 3 pm Saturday kick-off preserves a key fixture for fans Travelling from both Celtic’s faNBAse and those making the journey from Aberdeen. Disrupting this for the sake of a relatively small sum would likely result in more financial loss in matchday revenue than what the TV deal would provide.

Russell’s frustrations also point to a wider issue—the inability to broadcast 3pm Saturday kick-offs in the UK. If this outdated restriction were lifted, it would resolve these coNFLicts altogether, enabling live coverage of such marquee fixtures without inconveniencing fans.

It’s good to see Celtic make the right decision for once.