(Image: PA)
Newcastle United must face one more hurdle to confirm their Champions League spot next season, with several teams able to follow Liverpool and Arsenal into the competition next season - but Sky Sports have opted not to show the Magpies' final match this weekend. Chronicle Live readers in our comments section are fuming at the broadcaster, saying that Sky is ignoring the clear demand to see Newcastle's last challenge.
The race for the remaining Champions League spots is tight, with five teams in the running - Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Just three points separate the five teams, and the nail-biting games and their results will be hugely consequential for next season.
Sky Sports have opted to take the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace game instead - a dead rubber for the champions, but the trophy presentation will be a big draw. The other will be Nottingham Forest's game against Chelsea, with TNT Sports saying that they will be showing Aston Villa's trip to Manchester United.
Some fans feel hard done by to not be in the first choices for the big broadcaster. Reader Prof.Piehead says: "The only surprise here was it wasn't their beloved Manchester United and Arsenal they put on telly. There's more riding on the Forest v Chelsea game anyway."
Commenter Butcherbill writes: "We have 6 teams for 5 places, and all neck and neck, and Sky is going to show the Liverpool game. Enough said."
Rotobob says: "By showing the Liverpool game, Sky are ignoring the greater demand to watch games involving teams battling for a place in the Champions League. Their advertisers will not be happy to lose eyeballs."
It's the TV rights and rules that rub others the wrong way, with TanleaToon writing: "How can Sky show ALL non-important Championship games via the red button on the same day, and NOT show very important Premier League games on the same day."
ChrisToonBarmyArmy wants a new solution: "It's a shame the Saudis can't buy the rights to show every NUFC home and away game and then screen it via their own platform, downloadable on your smart TV or Fire stick for a nominal annual fee. Stuff Sky and the southern-based media... get some quality ex-players for the commentary, not the biased egos from the North West..."
UClaudius says: "Couldn’t care less if none of ours are televised, being bounced round the schedules for no particular purpose, even worse for supporters travelling away. As for the Liverpool game, surely they could just go back at the end of the others for their presentation?"
Have your say! Is it unfair not to show Newcastle's own battle for a Champions League spot? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.