Celtic 'opt out' of Premier Sports deal as TV blackout for blockbuster Aberdeen clash rubber stamped

Celtic have reportedly opted out of the SPFL's contract with Premier Sports - meaning any chance of the blockbuster top of the table clash with Aberdeen being televised has been ruled out.

Following the international break the two Premiership sides boasting unblemished records will lock horns in Glasgow's east end as the champions Celtic host Jimmy Thelin's flying Dons. However, the game has not been picked up by Sky Sports - who will show 60 live games per season until 2029 - leaving Premier Sports as the only destination for the game.

The subscription channel have the rights to 20 live games from the Scottish top flight - but the Daily Mail claim that Celtic turned down the chance to be a part of the deal. The deal is said to give the broadcaster the right to show a maximum of two additional games from any Premiership stadium - with clubs "offered £75,000 for every additional home game and a maximum payment of £150,000 for two."

It is said that Celtic "were reluctant to inconvenience season-ticket holders and home fans travelling from further afield" moving the Saturday 3pm kick-off times. That is why they knocked back the SPFL commercial agreement. It is noted that Sky are limited to five visits per season to each ground and have already been to Parkhead twice this term and have made their selections for the September fixture card.

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