Leeds United are set to become the first Premier League side ever to have a match feature on television during the ‘3pm blackout’, as they take on Manchester City next month.
One thing that was always bound to happen with Leeds being in the Premier League was a great number of games being shown on TV, no matter the performance of the side.
The first season being behind-closed-doors meant that a greater number were shown, but Leeds have been a box-office entity even with their struggles in the last two seasons.
What games do Leeds have on TV coming up?
Leeds’ trip to Bournemouth at the weekend will not be shown on TV on Sunday, but the club are busy in May, with three of their four games at the end of the season being televised across different platforms.
The Whites take on Manchester City away, Newcastle United at home, and West Ham away, with all of those games shown.
A major stumbling block has emerged, though, with Leeds’ trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City initially booked for the Sunday, but Pep Guardiola’s side progressing in the Champions League has forced it to be rearranged.
The game will now take place on Saturday 6th May, at 3pm.
What does this mean for the 3pm blackout?
The game is set to take place as Saturday 3pm kick-off, but the intrigue comes as the game is still going to be shown on Sky Sports.
A statement was released from the Premier League (via BroadcastNow):
“The match will remain live on Sky Sports in the UK, subject to further consultation with relevant stakeholders regarding Article 48 [blackout regulations].
“The usual Saturday 12:30 BST UK live broadcast slot has been avoided so as not to clash with the King’s Coronation, while a later kick-off is not possible due to police resourcing.”
It would be a huge move top undermine the current blackout rules, with this game being televised despite legislation dating back to the 1960s.
Will Leeds be relegated?
Yes
No
The blackout rule does seem odd in this day and age, when football is such an accessible sport.
Every game in the English football pyramid could be streamed for fans to watch for a certain cost, while attendances would still not be harmed greatly.
Nothing will ever beat going to the actual match, but having an end to the blackout would mean more clubs further down the ladder are getting a fairer share of revenue.
As for our game, it could be an intriguing moment in history for this particular footballing debate.