Sky Sports in major Scottish title race change of plan as Hearts and Celtic get simultaneous TV treatment
Broadcaster performs U-turn on plan to show only one game live
Sky Sports have performed a U-turn and confirmed that both Hearts v Falkirk and Motherwell v Celtic will be broadcast simultaneously on Wednesday night as the Scottish Premiership title goes on the line.
The broadcaster had originally intended to only show live coverage from Tynecastle Park on a night where Hearts could land their first league championship since 1960 - and the first non-Old Firm side since 1985 - if they win and Celtic lose.
The initial plan was for Sky Sports to show only the goals from Fir Park as they went in leaving Celtic supporters facing the prospect of having no legal means to watch the full game within the UK.
Motherwell addressed that on Wednesday by offering a pay-per-view service costing £15, however, a few hours later, Sky Sports confirmed that it will now show live coverage of both matches at the same time.
Hearts lead Celtic at the top of the table by one point with two matches remaining. The duo will go head-to-head in a title decider at Celtic Park on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, if the championship is not decided in midweek. Rangers, meanwhile, know they will finish third and neither of their games versus Hibs or Falkirk will be screened live.
A social media statement read: "BREAKING: Another huge game in the Scottish Premiership title race will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports with Motherwell vs Celtic selected for coverage, alongside Hearts vs Falkirk on Wednesday.
"Hearts vs Falkirk & Motherwell vs Celtic | Wednesday from 7pm.
"Celtic vs Hearts | Saturday from 11.30am."
Motherwell react to Sky Sports U-turn
Motherwell confirmed they still intend to press ahead with their own PPV service despite Sky Sports’ change of plans.
“Sky Sports have confirmed that they will now be showing our match against Celtic live,” a club statement read. “The broadcaster initially intended to just show goals from the match at Fir Park during their main coverage of Hearts v Falkirk at Tynecastle.
“Sky Sports informed us this evening of their intention to show our match live on their platform.
“The match will still be shown live on our PPV streaming platform. If you wish to purchase and watch the match on MFC TV, you can purchase your pass online by clicking here.”
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