Celtic’s 2–2 draw with Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday drew a television audience of more than one million viewers on Sky Sports.
The Glasgow derby always pulls attention, but the stakes around the game added extra eyes. With the title race tightening, supporters across the country tuned in to watch how Celtic would respond in a hostile atmosphere.
Sky confirmed the match reached a peak audience of 1.15 million across its platforms. It is the highest viewing figure recorded for a Scottish Premiership fixture on the broadcaster in almost two seasons. The game itself delivered plenty for those watching. Rangers went two goals ahead before Celtic fought back after the break, pushing forward with more urgency as the match opened up.
The comeback kept Celtic firmly involved in the title race. Martin O’Neill’s side followed that result with a 2–1 win away to Aberdeen, a match also shown live on Sky Sports. Those three points at Pittodrie moved Celtic onto 58 points and back above Rangers in the table.
Hearts remain the team Celtic are chasing. The Tynecastle side sit five points clear on 63 points as the season moves toward the closing run of fixtures. With a handful of games left, every result around the top of the table now carries extra weight.
Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes said: (SPFL), “It promises to be one of the most dramatic conclusions to a William Hill Premiership in many years, and it’s great to see such strong viewing figures for recent matches on Sky Sports.
“These numbers reinforce the incredible interest building around the title race and the appetite among supporters to follow every twist and turn as the season reaches its climax.
“With so much still to play for across the division, supporters can look forward to a thrilling run-in, and it’s great that fans will be able to follow the action live on Sky Sports in the weeks ahead.”
Sky already has Celtic scheduled for another live broadcast soon. The Hoops travel to Tannadice on Sunday, March 22. Hearts face Dundee the day before, a result Celtic will watch closely.
Those fixtures could tighten the table again. Celtic’s trip to Tannadice comes after the side regained momentum with the win in Aberdeen. If they keep collecting points, pressure will build on the leaders.
The draw at Ibrox and the victory at Pittodrie have kept Celtic in the chase. Supporters following the title run-in on television will be watching closely to see if O’Neill’s side can close that five-point gap.
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