BELL BLOCKED
Spanish top-flight chiefs hit out over historic blackout
LALIGA have argued the TV blackout rule stopping UK fans from watching Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut should be scrapped.
Bellingham and his Real Madrid side travel to Barcelona on Saturday.
But the 3.15pm UK kick-off — scheduled so Asia-based fans can watch the game — means it cannot be shown live by Viaplay in this country.
The blackout — from 2.45-5.15pm — was introduced in the 1960s to protect attendances and Prem clubs recently agreed to keep it in place until at least 2029.
Keegan Pierce, LaLiga’s UK and Ireland MD, said: “We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch El Clasico this weekend due to the UK’s self- imposed Saturday 3pm rule.”
LaLiga believe many fans who want to watch England ace Bellingham and Co would not otherwise go to UK games.
Pierce added: “While we fully support measures to promote attendance, we believe the blackout should be limited to the televising of domestic football, not overseas competitions.”
It comes as Bellingham, 20, continues to somehow make his £115million fee seem like a bargain.
The England midfielder has notched 11 goals in 12 games since his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.
Spanish outlet Diario called him the "The New Boss of the Bernabeu" on their front page.
And he'll again make the cover if he inspires LaLiga leaders Real to an El Clasico victory on Saturday.
Girona are second on goal difference - with Barca a point behind in third place.
