Why Some Dundee Derby Matches Escape the 3pm TV Blackout
The unique broadcasting rules surrounding certain Dundee Derby matches have raised questions about the 3pm TV blackout in Scotland. This blackout restricts the live airing of matches during a specified time on Saturdays. However, on select occasions, matches managed to escape these restrictions.
Understanding the 3pm TV Blackout
The 3pm TV blackout is designed to encourage attendance at live football matches. Under normal circumstances, no matches can be broadcast on Saturdays between 2:45 PM and 5:15 PM. Despite this, some events are exempt due to special circumstances.
Key Exemptions from the Blackout
Several factors contribute to why some Dundee Derby matches can be shown live despite the blackout:
- Fixture Congestion: During busy periods, such as Christmas and New Year, the number of match days increases.
- Uefa Regulations: Uefa occasionally relaxes broadcasting restrictions to accommodate fixture congestion.
- Exempt Days: Certain weekends, including 3 January and select international breaks, allow for live broadcasts.
Recent Examples of Broadcasts
For instance, the Scottish Premiership clash between Livingston and Celtic was aired live on 27 December, despite multiple matches kicking off simultaneously. This was possible because that weekend was on Uefa’s list of exempt dates.
Similarly, the upcoming Dundee derby on 3 January will be broadcast live due to the same exemption. Notably, the English Premier League has not opted to show matches on these exempt dates.
Historical Context and Future Matches
Additional exemptions also exist for major tournaments, such as the FA Cup quarter-finals, although these do not apply to the Scottish leagues. Past instances, including early rounds of Scotland’s Premier Sports Cup, have seen matches broadcast on Saturday afternoons before the blackout period begins in late August.
This flexibility in broadcasting allows fans the opportunity to enjoy key matches, especially during high-demand periods. The ability of certain Dundee Derby matches to bypass the blackout reflects the complexity of football broadcasting rights in the UK.
