Soccer

Portadown criticize the 3pm blackout after game streams impacted

The Co Armagh side’s 3pm fixtures have been restricted from being live-streamed due to a long-standing UEFA rule

Portadown's Ben Wylie celebrates his goal during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
Portadown's Ben Wylie celebrates his goal during the Ports game at Shamrock Park, Portadown. Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)
By Brendan Crossan

PORTADOWN FC has expressed their disappointment at not being allowed to stream their 3pm games due to a longstanding Uefa rule that forbids it.

The Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] confirmed to the club that a 3pm black-out remains in place under Uefa Article 48.

The genesis of the 3pm black-out rule is to ensure supporters aren’t deterred from attending games and that this revenue stream is protected.

During COVID, however, many Irish League clubs decided to stream their games as there was a strict limit on the number of fans allowed to attend.

It opened up a new and much-needed revenue stream for Irish League clubs. The hope among many Irish League clubs was that streaming would be allowed for 3pm matches on a Saturday.

In a statement, Portadown said: “Streaming has played a role in Irish League football since it was introduced during 2020 to allow fans access to games online as they could not attend due to restrictions, and we are disappointed that we are no longer able to bring our Saturday 3pm games to fans, however we do appreciate and understand NIFL’s stance on this.”

A Portadown coach, Jack Duncan and Eamonn Fyfe standing beside the Sports Direct NIFL Premiership trophy
Jack Duncan (player on the right-hand side of the trophy) is itching to get started with the Ports this season. PICTURE: Portadown FC via X

One Irish League source speculated that 3pm matches could still be streamed but the clubs would require a geo-blocking facility so that it wouldn’t infringe broadcasting rights in Ireland and Britain.

“It’s not that clubs are streaming to thousands of people; it’s for those fans who are unable to attend, or elderly fans. You’re not talking massive numbers,” said the source.

The club statement added: “We Are Ports TV LIVE will still show live games throughout this season on a Pay-Per-View basis, however only games that are being played outside of 3pm-5pm on a Saturday will be permitted. We are also unable to stream our games that clash with Irish League games being broadcast on the BBC.”

Larne celebrate with the Gibson Cup
Larne celebrate with the Gibson Cup (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

Friday and Saturday night games are allowed to be streamed, and they have worked well for the mid-Ulster club who made a return to senior football this season and sit in a commendable seventh place after eight rounds of games.

Portadown media officer Trevor Clydesdale said: “NIFL do look favourably on clubs moving their games to Friday night or Saturday at 5.30pm, but both clubs have to agree.

“Generally, the Friday night kick-off times have worked well for us as it allows those who are involved in the Mid-Ulster Football League to have the option of coming to watch our games.”