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November 2002
Setanta start showing live Scottish games in England, Wales and both parts of Ireland.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL DEAL


It's been a long time coming but satellite broadcaster Setanta and the SPL have finally got their act together. Live SPL coverage started on October 20th with the first of a minimum of 24 live matches shown on Sky Channel 435.

As previously indicated individual matches cost a hefty £7-99, but with a season ticket available for just £20, the Setanta package is nowhere near as bad as feared. In fact at under £1 per match it's a great deal for Scottish football fans.

Our only quibble is that it is aimed purely at Old Firm supporters. Setanta are advertising their package as the chance to see Celtic/Rangers live away from home. Just how little regard they have for the rest of our clubs can be gauged from the fact that they didn't even give the Hibs-Hearts result on their website, even though this was a live game on BBC Scotland and one the satellite broadcaster could have shown.

One interesting addition to the deal is that at least SIX matches will also be available to viewers in Scotland. Rangers recent victory at Dens Park was the first of these matches which will all have 12.30 Saturday kick-offs.

Celtic fans resident in the Republic of Ireland might think twice before committing their £20 (or €32). Starting Sunday November 10th, their away games will be shown live on RTE's Network 2 - a free-to-air channel.

Supporters in North America can continue to see ALL Rangers and Celtic league matches live.

In general, the Setanta deal comes as a blessed relief after the farcical way the SPL's so-called leaders have conducted themselves over the past year. With the League Cup on Channel 5 and the Scottish Cup and home internationals (plus the occasional away game) on Sky, those of us who live elsewhere in the UK or in Ireland will now be able to see regular live action.

For more details on the Setanta deal and forthcoming fixtures, click here

For their North American schedules go here

For RTE's schedules go here where they will also send you an e-mail reminder on the day of the match!

 

 

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