Ok, so it’s another lockdown from Thursday through to December 2 during which three Premier League fixtures are due on the football calendar.
And that begs a question of the often hideously greedy Premier League and broadcasters who appear to be taking as many opportunities as possible of making us pay well over the top to follow our favourites on TV through no fault of our own.
The PL and Sky and BT launched their controversial pay-per-view service as coronavirus restrictions were relaxed by the government.
In a strategy that infuriated the football community, they announced a new service to show an additional layer of matches that were not included in the designated televised schedule.
The games became available to fans at an additional cost of £14.95 to their original subscription fees. The decision was ratified during a Premier League shareholders’ meeting on Friday but it is to be reviewed at the next meeting after it was confirmed at the last one.
Every match was of course brought to us free of charge after discussions with the government who reckoned TV football available to all would raise the mood of the nation back in April or May.
The big question now is given we are heading into a second lockdown WILL IT BE FREE AGAIN AND IF NOT WHY NOT?
Then all those who have already paid several times to watch their teams will be asking for a refund and crying not fair. Sign of the times.
I think along with probably most people that it was a sad day that the PL decided to start PPV, I’m a season ticket holder, am a Sky/BT subscriber & though I took the second option of paying 30% of the price of my season ticket can’t believe that the PL want to charge me another £14.95 to watch my team. I know our owners are against this fee & I for one will not pay the money out of principle & am sure I’ll be able to watch it somewhere. As far as I’m concerned it’s another **** take from the PL & greedy partners so shame on you for taking us fans for granted.
I am with you Terry, definitely not paying for any of these games on principle, depending on how many others have the same view, if enough do and there is enough negative PR to hurt the brand then market forces will drive a change. It is purely greed driving these moves and whatsmore taking advantage of quite literally a captive audience…
It’s about time the PL started offering ppv for ALL matches (home & away) – and that includes all 3 pm starts on a saturday. I would happily pay £15 per match to be able to watch EVERY West Ham match. Not every WH fan lives within a commutable distance of the ground – and there is only a small allocation of away. 38 x £15 = £570 per season – bargain for all home & away matches – and you don’t have to pay for those that Sky or BT are screening anyway.