Liverpool are currently taking on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final
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Viewers noticed a change during the coverage of the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle.
Viewers noticed a change during the coverage of the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle.
(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool are looking to successfully defend their Carabao Cup crown when they took on Newcastle United this afternoon. However, there was a change to the coverage as ITV provided free-to-air coverage for the first time since 2012, in conjunction with Sky Sports.
Viewers on the service were allowed the opportunity to watch the final on Sunday with analysis from the panel of Jamie Carragher, Shay Given, Jamie Redknapp, Les Ferdinand and Gary Neville on commentary.
The agreement comes as part of the deal between the two broadcasters which allowed football fans the chance to watch free-to-air coverage of select Carabao Cup and Championship fixtures.
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Fans watching at home were quick to notice ITV using Sky's coverage, with one saying: "So ITV are basically transmitting the Sky coverage? Interesting"
Another said: "ITV using Sky’s coverage today……interesting", while a third remarked: "ITV simulcasting the Sky coverage of the Carabao Cup Final, thought it was odd hearing Mark Chapman as opposed to Pougatch hosing it."
A fourth viewer said: "Strange seeing Sky Sports coverage on ITV."
Beginning in January 2025, the deal saw both Sky Sports and ITV jointly broadcast a select number of games also available on Sky Sports.
The deal will run until the end of 2026/27 and the arrangement was approved by English Football League (EFL) clubs. It first come into practice for the semi-final, which saw Liverpool come from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United see off Arsenal.
With the agreement, each full season, ITV will screen at least nine Carabao Cup matches in total including: one tie from each of the first four rounds, one additional tie from either the third or fourth round, two quarter-final ties, one semi-final tie, the final, with its first full season from the 2025/26 campaign.
Liverpool were looking for a record-extending triumph in the competition, following their dramatic win over Chelsea after extra-time last season. Newcastle, meanwhile, were looking for their first piece of domestic silverware since 1955 and to avenge their defeat to Manchester United, two years ago.