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

Tevez set to leave?

Carlos Tevez- Alfonso Jimenez / Flickr.com

Carlos Tevez is entering a critical point in his career. The 29-year-old Argentinian Manchester City Football Club striker is reaching the end of his contract in a year and has publically announced his desire to play for Boca Juniors. With the history of trouble he has amassed, this may become a reality.

During his time in England, Tevez has faced multiple charges affiliated with banned driving. Tevez was caught speeding while driving without a proper United Kingdom license and was suspended from driving for six months. On January 16, 2013, seven weeks after the start of his suspension, Tevez was found driving in the outskirts of Macclesfield. The huge pile of charges Tevez faces from all these events may lead to him being forced to take time away from the game.

His troubles with the police aren’t the only worries Tevez has faced in his career. In a Champions League game with MCFC against Bayern Munich on September 27, 2011, Tevez refused to play despite orders from his manager Roberto Mancini. "If I had my way he would be out of the club," said Mancini on Tevez after the incident in a Sportsmole article. Tevez’s conflicts with Mancini have brought him to the verge of retiring from soccer as he saw a major drop in playing time. Months after the incident, Tevez has changed. “I lack that hunger for goals; now I am thinking of supporting the move or providing the assist."

Despite his change in character, Tevez now has a desire to play for the Argentine club Boca. "I'm dying to wear the shirt of Boca again, but with the contract that I have here it's very difficult for me to leave.” What further complicates his departure, along with his contract, is the odd position that the MCFC team is in right now. The team sold their striker, Mario Balotelli, to AC Milan and is rumored to be parting with another striker Edin Dzeko next transfer window. If Mancini decides to sell Tevez, he will be left with Sergio Aguero as his only world-class striker.

With all of the trouble he faces in England, along with his expiring contract, Tevez must now reevaluate what he wants to do for the future of his career. Staying in England does not seem to be Tevez’s plan, but only time will tell if Mancini will be able to buy the striking force that will allow for Tevez to depart the club for Boca.


Contributed by Velid Mulić & Din Islam