[alias_neo]

Thanks for the explanation.

I'm British, but having never been into football (or any sport really) I wasn't aware of this TV blackout; given what I do know of people who don't necessarily support the local team, this sounds like madness, also how does this work for away games? I know loads of people who live/work in London now who still support their home town team.

So, to make sure I understand this correctly; if I wanted to watch a particular team, say my local one, without going to the game, there is no actual legit way to watch that match from home?

[benbristow]

To answer your last question, yes. You would have to go watch your local lower non-league team if you wanted to watch football.

I suspect your London friends are using VPNs and/or illegal streams, or simply just following scores or watching watchalongs, Soccer Saturday etc.

Games outwith the Saturday blackout can be watched legally, bigger teams usually on TV or via club streaming services. Games are often scheduled at lunchtime and after 6pm to allow them to be aired on TV on Saturday.

[alias_neo]

This is quite the revelation. I had no idea that matches can't be watched on TV as they play. is there not even a pay-to-watch service, like with fights?

I've certainly got something to talk about next time I see some of my football fan friends, and I'll have to ask what they do to watch the games, I'm not aware of any of them actually going to the matches when I've known the local (Premier League) team to be playing.

[benbristow]

No, only if you're outside of the UK or if it's an international break when international teams are playing (World Cup, Euros etc.) on a Saturday at 3pm.

Outside the blackout games are on TV as per usual.