Scottish Premiership Old Firm Clash: Where to Watch and Who’s Commentating on Rangers vs Celtic, August 31, 2025

The eagerly anticipated Scottish Premiership Old Firm match between Glasgow Rangers and Celtic is set to kick off at 12:00 UK time on Sunday, 31 August 2025, at Ibrox Stadium. British viewers can follow the fixture live through multiple coverage options, including key broadcasts on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland, and Sky Sports Football, among others.

Broadcast Channels and Commentary Teams

The BBC offers comprehensive coverage via several platforms. BBC Radio 5 Live will feature commentary presented by Steve Crossman, with Ian Dennis as the main commentator alongside co-commentator Pat Nevin. Meanwhile, BBC Radio Scotland has an expanded team, with Richard Gordon hosting, and commentary provided by Liam McLeod together with co-commentators Pat Bonner and Billy Dodds. Pundit Tom English lends expert analysis, with reporting by Kheredine Idessane. These broadcasts will also be available on the BBC Sounds App and BBC Sport Online, offering listeners multiple ways to tune in with the same expert teams.

Television viewers in the UK can watch the match live on Sky Sports Football UK and Sky Sports Main Event in HD and UHD formats, with the broadcast presented by Eilidh Barbour. The main commentator for Sky is Ian Crocker, supported by co-commentators Chris Sutton and Neil McCann. The star-studded pundit line-up includes former players and managers Neil Lennon, Kris Boyd, and James McFadden, all of whom bring deep insight from their extensive experience in top-flight Scottish football. Reports from Luke Shanley will complete the Sky Sports coverage.

Fans of individual clubs can also access exclusive content: Rangers supporters via Rangers TV, where Tom Miller provides commentary, and Celtic fans through Celtic TV featuring commentators Paul Cuddihy and Simon Donnelly. Additionally, Radio Clyde 1 offers regional radio coverage, with presenters Gordon Duncan and Andrew MacLean.

Spotlight on the Presenters and Commentators

Steve Crossman, the primary BBC Radio 5 Live presenter for this match, is a veteran broadcaster renowned for his insightful football coverage and calm, authoritative presentation style. Ian Dennis, the BBC’s main football commentator for this game, has built a distinguished career delivering clear and compelling commentary across numerous top-tier football matches, including Premier League and international fixtures.

Pat Nevin is a former Chelsea and Everton player with a sharp tactical mind, who transitioned into media to provide expert co-commentary that emphasises the strategic nuances of the game.

Richard Gordon and Liam McLeod are prominent voices in Scottish football broadcasting, with McLeod especially respected for his passionate and articulate commentary that captures the intensity of rivalry matches.

On the Sky Sports side, Eilidh Barbour is one of the UK's most recognised sports presenters, known for blending professionalism with enthusiasm across football and golf coverage. Ian Crocker, the main commentator, has a long-standing career in football commentary, particularly within Scottish football. The pundits—Neil Lennon, a former Celtic player and manager; Kris Boyd, the all-time Scottish Premiership top scorer; and James McFadden, a former Scotland international—offer a wealth of experience and insider knowledge, enriching the broadcast's analysis and pre/post-match discussions.

Match Context

This Old Firm derby carries significant weight, not only for the bragging rights but also for the title race. Celtic currently top the Scottish Premiership table, six points clear of Rangers, who sit in seventh place, struggling for consistency after a challenging start to their season. Rangers are under pressure following a heavy 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in a Champions League qualifier, intensifying the stakes of this fixture for manager Russell Martin and his squad.^[1] Celtic themselves face frustration after their Champions League campaign ended abruptly against Kairat Almaty, but they have maintained strong domestic form with three wins to start their title defence.^[3]

The Old Firm rivalry is one of the most passionately followed in world football, with Rangers vs Celtic matches often featuring intense atmospheres and historic rivalries that transcend football. This fixture is expected to draw large listening and viewing figures across the UK, underscoring its cultural significance within Scottish sport.

Where to Follow the Match Live

To catch the Scottish Premiership clash live:

Radio: Tune in to BBC Radio 5 Live with Steve Crossman and Ian Dennis or BBC Radio Scotland with Richard Gordon and Liam McLeod. Both options are available on the BBC Sounds App, allowing fans to listen on mobile devices anywhere in Britain.
Television: Sky Sports Football UK and Sky Sports Main Event will provide full live TV coverage in HD and UHD with expert commentary from Ian Crocker and detailed analysis from top pundits Neil Lennon, Kris Boyd, and James McFadden.
Club Channels: For those loyal to one side, Rangers TV and Celtic TV offer tailored commentary focusing on their respective teams with club-affiliated personnel.

Additional Information and Resources

For the latest team news, lineups, and live updates, official club websites like Rangers Official and Celtic FC are the best sources. For live scores, stats, and in-depth match analysis, platforms such as Sofascore are invaluable, offering real-time data and fan engagement.