Manchester United take on Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday night, but why isn’t the fixture on TV in the UK?
Manchester United are back in action in the Premier League, although there isn’t exactly much excitement about it. The Red Devils’ league campaign is essentially over this season.
The elusive Champions League spots look just out of reach for Erik ten Hag and his first-team squad, which means either the Europa League or even the Europa Conference League awaits. Not exactly a thrilling prospect.
All will depend on the remaining six fixtures – the first of which is Sheffield United. Although Manchester United fans will not be able to see their beloved players in action unless they’re actually at Old Trafford tonight.
Why Manchester United v Sheffield United is not on TV in UK
Manchester United’s fixture against the Blades will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK, despite it being a midweek kick-off… why? Well, the reason is entirely simple, but also entirely ludicrous.
Manchester United vs Sheffield United will not be broadcast live in the UK as it was not initially selected to be shown on TV before the postponement. This is a rescheduled match due to United’s FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool.
Given the initial fixture was set to take place at 3 PM on a Saturday, it can now no longer be shown on TV due to the 3 PM TV Blackout rule.
What is the ‘3 PM rule?’
The “3 PM rule” in football on TV refers to the broadcasting blackout that typically affects live televised football matches in the United Kingdom at 3:00 PM on Saturdays.
This rule was implemented to protect attendance at lower league and grassroots football matches by preventing direct competition from televised games.
Essentially, it means that live matches cannot be broadcast on television between 2:45 PM and 5:15 PM on Saturdays. However, this rule does not apply to matches played outside of England or to matches broadcast outside of the UK.
The rule has sparked mega debate, and will continue to do so as Manchester United aren’t to be shown in this peculiar circumstance against the Blades.