Liverpool are setting their sights on reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League with a win over Brighton today. But Reds supporters won’t be able to watch the match from home.
Fans will flock to Anfield for a 3pm kick-off against the Seagulls, hoping for another three points in their quest to win the Premier League title. The Reds have been performing exceptionally well in the league, with only last weekend’s draw against Arsenal and loss to Nottingham Forest marring their otherwise flawless record.
As current league leaders Manchester City face AFC Bournemouth in a simultaneous 3pm kick-off, Liverpool will be aiming for a win and banking on their rivals dropping points on the south coast. However, Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side, who have enjoyed a strong season so far with four wins, four draws and just one loss in nine games, will be looking to extend their successful run.
Why isn’t Liverpool vs Brighton being shown on TV in the UK?
This Anfield clash hasn’t been picked by broadcasters Sky Sports or TNT Sports for a television slot this weekend. Instead, in the Saturday 12:30pm slot, both TNT Sports have selected Newcastle United vs Arsenal as their main fixture.
Wolves are set to face Crystal Palace in Saturday’s late game, with a 5:30pm kick-off scheduled to be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event. Meanwhile five other Premier League clashes, including the Liverpool vs Brighton match, will commence at 3pm but won’t be televised due to the UK’s Saturday blackout rule – which is enforced from 2:45pm to 5:15pm.
The longstanding ban on live broadcasts of 3pm football matches in the UK aims to boost stadium attendance by encouraging fans to watch games in person rather than at home. Despite recent calls for the abolition of this traditional rule, a Premier League spokesperson reaffirmed last year that the law remains to “protect attendances throughout the English football pyramid”. Any decision to abolish the blackout would require consultation and a collective vote by the EFL.
For those eager to catch the Liverpool vs Brighton highlights, they’ll be available post-match on the Sky Sports app. Match of the Day will also feature key moments and any contentious incidents from the day’s action starting at 10:30pm on Saturday.
