In 2016, if a group of football fans were asked to name the biggest club game in world football, it’s a safe bet Barcelona v Real Madrid would come top of the list.
Yes, it’s El Clasico that gets the viewers in for La Liga, with over 100 countries predicted to be tuning in to view the next instalment of Spain’s biggest rivalry.
But when Barcelona host Real Madrid on December 3 at the Nou Camp, the UK and Ireland will not be among those countries, after this announcement was made.
OFFICIAL: The first El Clasico of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid will kick-off at 3:15pm (GMT), Saturday 3rd December. pic.twitter.com/eULQMlbs5j
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 12, 2016
The problem is that a long-standing British broadcasting rule states that no live football can be shown on television from 14:45 to 17:15 in Britain.
And because Irish fans rely on Sky for their broadcast, we will also have to go without.
And it’s fair to say fans are a bit disappointed.
It's 2016 and the biggest and greatest fixture in the world's best sport isn't televised live in Britain. That can't be right.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) October 12, 2016
No Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first El Clasico of this season will NOT be televised in the UK due to the 3pm broadcasting restrictions. 😐 pic.twitter.com/1YVWO0kgCS
— Marathonbet (@marathonbet) October 12, 2016
No Luis Enrique v Zinedine Zidane.
The first El Clasico of the season won't be shown live because it clashes with the 3pm Premier League games! pic.twitter.com/jKl2w1Yeiy
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) October 12, 2016
Fans will be able to watch the game on a one-hour delay on Sky Sports, but that’s not good enough for some.
When you hear this season's first Clasico will not be televised in the UK due to broadcasting rules: pic.twitter.com/LatN7UrG4e
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) October 12, 2016
The decision was said to be made with a view to maximising viewers in Asia and America.
La Liga president considered 3 time slots for #ElClasico and chose the one that suits Asian & American markets most.
— Sam (@samuelJayC) October 12, 2016
Irish viewers do now get to watch the 3pm Premier League games, so some fans have contacted Sky to see if they could also watch El Clasico.
@SkyIreland Will Irish customers be able to watch El Clasico on Dec 3rd at 3.15pm? UK customers unable to watch due to TV rules ⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Greg F (@Gregzillla) October 12, 2016
@SkySports Will you be showing el clasico for Irish viewers in December?
— Shane Brewster (@Irn_Brew) October 12, 2016
Judging by the lack of a response, it’s not looking good folks.
