Liverpool prevent Radio 5 Live from broadcasting Spartak crunch

Liverpool have denied BBC Radio 5 access to broadcast their Champions League crunch with Spartak Moscow at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Reds just need a point to guarantee their passage into the knockout stages, while a win would secure top spot and there is plenty of interest around the game as Jurgen Klopp’s side face a exciting night at Anfield.

BBC Radio 5 have been in negotiations with the Reds over broadcast rights for the match since their 3-3 draw with Sevilla almost a fortnight ago and had expected the licence to be granted their way.

However, they have learned that Liverpool have restricted them to just a touchline reporter at the game, with the match only available to listen to via the club’s official website.

There is shock at the BBC over the decision, with one insider describing it as “monumentally restrictive” as it will deny a likely listener base of more than one million people the chance to listen to the Group E fixture as it unfolds via a traditional radio service.

Furthermore, radio bosses fear this could be indicative of a chance in stance over radio broadcast rights as clubs look to secure their own deals.

Liverpool have defended the decision by explaining that the live commentary will remain free, with all potential listeners simply needing to register to the site.

Unlike the Champions League TV deal – which BT Sports has exclusive rights to in this country – rights to live radio commentaries of Champions League matches in England are negotiated directly between broadcasters and clubs.

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