By Tom Parsons
October 25 – Many British television viewers will feel short-changed tomorrow on the day of arguably the biggest footballing match in the Spanish calendar. El Clasico (Barcelona v Real Madrid) takes place on Saturday with kick-off at 5:00pm GMT, however due to British broadcasting regulations the first 15 minutes of the game are not allowed to be shown live on British television.
Sky Sports, who hold the rights to all La Liga games and show every Barcelona and Real Madrid game on one of their dedicated sports channels, are under strict instructions from regulators who’s rules state that no football can be screened live on television between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturday’s. This rule is in place to encourage football fans to go the stadiums and watch football live rather than stay in and watch the games in their living rooms.
Despite the fact the game is being held in Spain, there’s no clause that allows this ban to be lifted for what will be arguably one of the most watched football games of the 2013/14 season.
Many viewers will feel let down by this regulation after spending extra money each year to buy satellite television for occasions like El Clasico. with many venting their frustration towards Sky and the regulators on social media.
Sky’s television advert for the game states that the game starts at 5pm but will only be able to be watched at 5:15pm which has confused many who don’t know current regulations.
In the last two seasons 6 goals have been scored in the first 15 minutes of matches between the two sides.
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