News > 2008

PARTICK – AIRDRIE – CHALLENGE CUP SEMI–FINAL LIVE ON TV

The SFL’s ALBA Challenge Cup semi final fixture, that will see Partick Thistle take on Airdrie United, will be televised live on the new BBC ALBA television channel.

This will be the first SFL match to be broadcast live on television in 12 years and will take place on Sunday 12 October at Firhill. The other semi final fixture taking place is Ross County v Morton. The final will also be broadcast live on BBC ALBA on Sunday 16 November.


Ross County & Morton players with presenter

The live coverage will complement BBC ALBA’s premier sports package which is being provided in association with MNE Media to broadcast one Clydesdale Bank Premier League match every Saturday night, on BBC ALBA over the next two seasons.

MG ALBA is this year’s title sponsor of the Scottish Football League’s ALBA Challenge Cup.

Alasdair Morrison, Chairman of MG ALBA said: “We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the SFL’s ALBA Challenge Cup. This sponsorship deal highlights our commitment to providing high quality sports programmes and live television coverage of SFL matches, which is well overdue. The SFL offers an excellent level of football which should be enjoyed by a Scotland wider audience through television coverage. Both semi finals will provide excellent entertainment and I wish all four teams good luck.”

David Longmuir, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League said: “The SFL are absolutely delighted that MG ALBA has come in as the title sponsor of this year’s ALBA Challenge Cup. BBC ALBA will bring live football back onto the television screen for first, second and third division clubs, which is fantastic news. It has been twelve years since we last had a live game broadcast so it’s a very exciting time. We wish BBC ALBA all the best in their first year and that they find our involvement beneficial and rewarding.”

Ian Maxwell, Partick Thistle FC Captain, said: “It makes a huge difference for us when matches are broadcast live on television and coverage of the ALBA Challenge Cup semi final and final on BBC ALBA will certainly add to the atmosphere. The semi final is a big match and we are certainly looking towards the big final.”

Paul Lovering, Airdrie United FC Captain, said: “It is a big bonus for us to have the match on live television and I’m sure there will be a large crowd on the day supporting us. Being live on television allows a larger number of spectators across the county to enjoy the match live, which is great for SFL football. It will be a hard game and one which all of our players are looking forward to.”

BBC ALBA is providing a premier sports package in association with MNE Media, which will also televise live Scottish rugby and shinty on the new channel.

BBC ALBA is a partnership service between MG ALBA and BBC Scotland which will deliver high quality, distinctive home-produced programming.