Clubs accuse Celtic of wrecking TV deal

The renegade ten Scottish Premier League (SPL) clubs have accused Celtic of wrecking hopes of another television deal.

The renegade ten Scottish Premier League (SPL) clubs have accused Celtic of wrecking hopes of another television deal.

Sky confirmed it had no bid planned to secure television rights for the SPL, leaving BBC Scotland as the sole runner in the race to screen the Scottish top flight.

The satellite broadcaster had opened talks with SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell after the collapse of SPL TV which was vetoed by the Old Firm last month.

However, Celtic officials were reportedly seeking a move to English football next season - leaving the 10 non-Old Firm clubs, who are facing an uncertain financial future without a TV deal, furious.

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Now the 10 are connecting Sky's decision with those reports.

"It is disappointing that yet again negotiations have been undermined at a crucial stage," said a spokesman for the 10 clubs. "We saw that there is yet more speculation being fuelled about Celtic departing Scotland in the near future and then negotiations broke down again.

"You would be naive to think the two were not connected".

The 10 clubs have announced their intention to resign from the SPL in the wake of the Old Firm's decision to pull the plug on SPL TV.

PA