Motherwell have stepped in to save Celtic supporters from a potential TV blackout ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.
The Steelmen confirmed on Monday afternoon that they will make Wednesday night’s clash with Celtic available on pay-per-view, with the broadcast priced at £15.
It is a significant update for Hoops supporters, many of whom were facing the prospect of being unable to watch the penultimate game of a dramatic title race through a legitimate live source.
Sky Sports could have selected the fixture for live coverage, but did not do so. That left the situation in limbo until Motherwell used their ability as the home club to offer the match on PPV. Sky Sports certainly had the scope in their contract to have the game on, so the snub is quite baffling.
Given what is riding on the game, that decision will come as a major relief to the Celtic support.
Celtic go to Fir Park knowing there is no room for error. The equation is brutal but simple. Win, and they take the title race to the final day against Hearts at Celtic Park. Fail to win, and the door could swing wide open for Hearts to finish the job before the weekend.
If Celtic lose at Motherwell and Hearts beat Falkirk at Tynecastle, the title would be heading to Edinburgh on Wednesday night.
That is the nightmare scenario Celtic simply cannot allow to unfold.
Even if Hearts do beat Falkirk, a Celtic victory at Fir Park would set up a final-day shootout in Glasgow. Hearts would arrive at Celtic Park knowing a draw would be enough to lift the title. Celtic would need to win.
It does not get any more serious than this.
That is why the broadcast situation felt so important. This is not a routine midweek league fixture tucked away near the end of the campaign. It is a match that could define Celtic’s season, shape the final day, and decide whether Martin O’Neill’s side still have a shot at dragging themselves over the line.
Celtic have made hard work of this title race. Dropped points, inconsistency, injuries and self-inflicted damage have all played their part. Yet they are still standing.
Motherwell will not make it easy. They have already shown this season they are capable of beating this team, and with Celtic carrying the weight of the occasion, Wednesday night has all the ingredients of a tense, nervy contest.
At least now, Celtic fans who cannot make it to Fir Park have a proper way to watch it unfold.
Motherwell’s £15 PPV option may not have been the outcome many expected when the TV selections were made, but it does mean supporters will not be left scrambling for updates or relying on unofficial streams.
For Celtic, the task is clear.
Win at Motherwell. Take it to the final day. Then deal with Hearts at Celtic Park.
Anything less could be fatal.
You can order the game here.
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