English Premier League ignites debate among soccer fans and pundits over their blackout policy

The English Premier League has been blacking out soccer games that kick off between 2:45 and 5:15 GMT in Great Britain. The blackout policy has existed since the 1960s when Burnley chairmen Bob Lord feared that fans would rather stay home and watch the “big” games such as Manchester United vs Liverpool than support their local club. As a result, only 154 games out of 380 games can be watched live in a EPL season.

In recent years, the debate about whether or not the EPL should uphold their blackout policy has been raging. In a poll held by British newspaper The Telegraph,  92% of fans were found to be for the cancellation of the current blackout policy.

Telegraph editor Luke Edwards argues that British fans should have the ability to watch live football matches at places other than pubs on Saturdays. Edwards claims that the EPL has already violated many of the old traditions held by fans, and that the tradition of being able to go to the pubs to watch live matches should be protected.

“If there is one final tradition worth protecting in English football,” Edwards wrote in an article in 2015. “It is the fact you can only watch a live game of football at 3pm on a Saturday if you take the trouble to get off your backside and leave the house for somewhere other than the pub.”

Edwards also argues that fans should have the option to watch the big match ups live at will. He believes that fans especially should have the option since they already pay television subscription.

“Why bother taking the family to watch your local team play when you can stay at home and watch Chelsea vs West Ham all for the price of the television subscription you already pay,” he said.

Telegraph editor Chris Bascombe has other opinions in mind, as he contends that the EPL blackout policy barely affects the fan’s ability to watch the games. Bascombe argues that even though the blackout policy stands, fans will always find a way to view the big matchups.

“It doesn’t matter how much it is forbidden, supporters are still finding a way to indulge. Instead of making it illegal it would make more sense to regulate it,” Bascombe said.

Bascombe claims that most English fans will usually go to pubs on the big matchup days and in that manner, watch the Saturday matchups.

“Walk around most cities on a matchday and numerous pubs will quite openly advertise live football at 3pm, much to the Premier League’s irritation,” he said.

Previously mentioned, the blackout policy was previously put in place in order to improve attendance for local teams. BostiInno writer Hayden Bird from says otherwise. Bird claims that the blackout policy has had absolutely no effect on attendance for local teams.

“Of course, whether or not the blackout rule actually does prop up attendance for local teams is debatable," Bird wrote in a 2015 BostiInno article. “Looking across at the German Bundesliga, attendance has actually climbed in the last 15 years, even though games are broadcast at all times.”

Football is considered to be the biggest national pastime in Great Britain. The debate of whether or not this blackout policy should be upheld is still a contentious issue. There seems to be no resolution for the fans in a near future. However as Bascombe said, there will always be a way for fans to indulge in “The Beautiful Game.”

Authored by Erick Romero, Andre Alexander

FC Bayern München and Chelsea FC in the Champions League final

FC Bayern Münchens logo / alialaa / Flickr

FC Bayern München and Chelsea FC are meeting each other in the 2011-2012 Champions League final. Chelsea has definitely proven themselves to be in the final, but Bayern has some key factors in their favor to give them the edge to win.

The last and only time Bayern and Chelsea met was in 2004-2005 Champions League quarter-finals, with Chelsea winning 6-5. This year the game will be at Bayern’s Allianz Stadium, as compared to the first time they played against each other, where they played two games, the first game at Stamford Bridge, and the second game at Olympiastadion. Being at their own stadium will definitely help Bayern with the support from fans and comfort of their home stadium.

Mario Gomez, forward for Bayern, has an impressive 12 goals this season, whereas top scorer for Chelsea is Didier Drogba with five. If Gomez brings his A-game it will be tough for Chelsea’s defense and goalie to keep him from scoring. “I'm scoring so often because the team makes it easy for me. We're playing attacking football and I'm the one waiting at the end of the line,” said Gomez to UEFA.com.

Another great player for Bayern is midfielder Toni Kroos, who had to step up for the injured Bastian Schweinsteiger. He has two goals and also two assists this season. Not only is he an excellent offensive player, he is also an exceptional defensive player, comfortable everywhere on the field. “I like playing in both attacking and defensive midfield. … I wouldn't ever say anything negative about the other position because I like playing there too,” he said to UEFA.com.

If Bayern brings their best game, especially the offense with players like Gomez, they will definitely have the upper hand against Chelsea. Even though they lost to Chelsea last time they met, this year they are much better suited to win.