|
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!
|