From taking up Zinedine Zidane’s shirt number to scoring 11 goals in his first 12 games, Jude Bellingham is enjoying a great start to his Real Madrid career. The 20-year-old has dazzled for the Spanish giants, making him one of the most exciting talents in La Liga and the world of soccer generally.
The former Birmingham City star is set to star in his first competitive El Clasico fixture this season. Unfortunately, England fans will be unable to see the star play due to the UK Blackout rule that prohibits UK fans from watching games abroad during a particular time.
What is the UK Blackout rule?
The UK blackout rule was set in place in the 1960s by Burnley chairman Bob Lord. The Englishman successfully convinced other Football League chairmen that televising live games would affect attendance in lower league games, leading to the introduction of the blackout rule.
This means that live broadcasts of both domestic and international games are prohibited in the UK for a few hours. According to GOAL, the “football blackout is the rule that no Premier League, Football League or FA Cup matches be broadcast on live television on Saturday between 2:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.”
This is to promote attendance at live matches, especially for lower-league teams that benefit from matchday gate revenues. The blackout rule does not affect live radio broadcasts locally or nationally.
While the UK blackout rule is only applied to the UK, it still affects English fans who want to watch some games abroad. It has also made it difficult for football fans based in the country to access live games due to their inability to attend a match.
Calls have been made for the 3 p.m. blackout rule to be abolished, but that seems far-fetched for now.
English fans unable to watch Jude Bellingham during El Clasico
Jude Bellingham is fast becoming England’s new golden boy. The country has not had a star of his quality since David Beckham, and every time he represents his country, there’s always this building excitement around him.
Just like David Beckham, Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid’s new star since joining from Borussia Dortmund this season. However, English fans cannot watch their star boy play in El Clasico this Saturday.
This is due to the UK blackout rule that prevents live games from being broadcast in the UK between 2:45 p.m. and 5:25 p.m.
Bellingham, who rejected the chance to play with Erling Haaland at Manchester City last summer, has been a revelation for Real Madrid. The youngster scored his 11th goal for the club in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Braga on Tuesday night.
Jude Bellingham has already won the La Liga Player of the Month award this season, and with his current form, he’s set to win more of that before the end of the season.
Will Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid triumph against Barcelona? Make sure to tell us in the comments.
