How amazing, you ask, is this turnaround in Granite City? In 25 fewer games, Thelin would have tied Aberdeen’s pre-split win total of eight if he orchestrates a victory over Celtic. How, then, can the typical devoted Scottish football fan see this must-see game? There is a small caveat though: you won’t be able to watch the game live in Britain.

The age-old controversy about the ineligibility of major Scottish football matches for live public viewing has surfaced several times over the years. Now, let’s set aside the how—or, more accurately, the how the Hell—and focus on the why. There are two reasons you won’t be watching the game in person—on your couch or at the bar. First and foremost, the contentious 3 p.m. blackout regulation that applies to all of British football cannot be avoided. The idea is straightforward: aside from the Cup Finals on Saturday, no televised match can begin between 14.25 and 17.25 on Saturday. Established in 1960 and considered outdated by many, the regulation serves to safeguard the revered kick-off time, which was the go-to

Although the Covid pandemic isn’t well remembered, it did give football managers the freedom to be inventive and rethink kickoff times and scheduling. Additionally, because every punter was forced to become an armchair follower, the pandemic resulted in innovations that haven’t been maintained since the world returned to normal.

To claim that the 3 p.m. blackout rule is the sole thing at work in this situation would be negligent; Scottish football’s TV deal must also be taken into account. Due to the Battle of the Unbeaten not being on the TV schedule, Sky’s contract has certain relevant restrictions and buffers. The 48 games that were previously broadcast on television were increased to 60, and Premier Sports now has the option to broadcast an additional 20 games annually. Clubs have access to PPVs, although not on Saturdays during risk hours. It met the requirements when Celtic’s exciting 2-1 victory over Motherwell in October 2023 began at noon on a Saturday.

There’s a catch, though. You can only head to the same stadium to broadcast five times, up from one from the prior deal. Celtic, the defending champions, are assured of three points after their two matches against Rangers and flag day. Then, Brendan Rodgers and company will hopefully see them again in May for another trophy day for the team that has won 12 of the previous 13 Scottish Premiership championships. There’s not much leeway, but being able to adjust to a developing championship fight ought to come as standard.

We understand the why and the how, but for many, neither reason nor regulations will ever be able to ease their frustration at not being able to win an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. Back in 2005, Celtic played host to Hearts, an upstart team that were, despite not being unbeaten, on the rise under Gordon Strachan, who was facing George Burley’s then-champions. At the time, the game felt distinctive.

Before Walter Smith’s team ruled the east end of Glasgow, Celtic and Rangers had each won eight straight games to begin the 2010 season. However, these games, which are more analogous to boxers risking their perfect records, are so ephemeral that they can’t help but make those who won’t play sigh in unison.

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Of course, there’s the counterargument, from those who relish the big game being blacked out to those who adore the radio and, well, an unmatched award-winning live blog, for keeping up with the action. However, there is a sizable group of football fans who only want to see the greatest games live in an era where the government is cracking down on firesticks and illegal streaming. Furthermore, let’s not act as though there is no option for bettors who wish to watch the game at home to do so. Is it a terrible thing to have an obsessive need to find the daily game? Yes, legally, but morally, it shows what’s on the line. At this point, the regulations provide an outdated framework with no Neil Doncaster soundbites.