How to Listen and Watch Hearts vs Celtic Scottish Premiership Clash on October 26, 2025

The highly anticipated Scottish Premiership fixture between Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Celtic kicks off at 12:00 noon UK time on October 26, 2025. Football fans across the UK can enjoy live coverage through multiple BBC radio channels, Sky Sports television broadcasts, and official club TV channels. This article details the commentary teams and how to access the match coverage.

BBC Radio Coverage

BBC Radio 5 Live offers live commentary with reporter Gavin Wallace covering the game. Another in-depth radio option is BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, with presenter Richard Gordon hosting. The main commentary team features Liam McLeod alongside experienced co-commentators Pat Bonner—a former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper—and Craig Levein, who has extensive Scottish football managerial experience. Tom English, a well-known football analyst and pundit, provides expert insights, while reporter Brian McLauchlin contributes live updates from the ground.

The same commentary lineup is mirrored on BBC Radio Scotland and the BBC Sounds app, as well as on BBC Sport Online (Audio), offering a consistent audio experience across BBC platforms. For visual highlights and summaries after the match, BBC Sportscene will feature main commentator Paul Mitchell with reporting from Brian McLauchlin.

Sky Sports UK Broadcast

The match is also televised live on Sky Sports Football UK/HD, Sky Sports Main Event/HD, and in UHD on Sky Sports Main Event UHD. The coverage is presented by Eilidh Barbour, a familiar face to Scottish and UK football viewers. Commentary is led by Ian Crocker, who is joined by former Celtic striker and BBC pundit Chris Sutton. The expert panel includes former Celtic and Scotland manager Neil Lennon, defender Ryan McGowan, ex-Scotland forward Kris Boyd, and former Scotland international James McFadden. On-the-ground reporting is handled by Luke Shanley. Sky Sports News also provides pre-match and post-match analysis, featuring pundit Chris Sutton and journalist Luke Shanley.

Official Club TV Channels

For fans wanting a more club-centric perspective, Celtic TV offers live commentary with Paul Cuddihy and co-commentator Peter Grant, alongside reporter Matthew Campbell. Meanwhile, Hearts TV features commentator Laurie Dunsire and former Hearts defender Jimmy Sandison delivering audio coverage unique to Hearts supporters.

Commentators and Presenters: Background and Expertise

Liam McLeod is a well-established BBC football commentator known for his clear and measured delivery. His co-commentator Pat Bonner boasts an impressive career as Republic of Ireland’s goalkeeper in several major tournaments, enriching broadcasts with his expert knowledge. Craig Levein combines coaching and playing experience at the highest Scottish levels, adding tactical insight.

Tom English is a respected football analyst specialising in Scottish football, frequently contributing to BBC Scotland and national football coverage.

Ian Crocker on Sky Sports is a seasoned commentator with a strong following for his energetic style, while Chris Sutton has transitioned from a successful playing career, notably with Celtic and Blackburn Rovers, to become a prominent pundit known for candid and knowledgeable commentary. Neil Lennon, a former Celtic player and manager, provides authoritative analysis with a firsthand understanding of Scottish Premiership pressures.

Presenters Richard Gordon (BBC) and Eilidh Barbour (Sky Sports) are experienced broadcasters well-versed in presenting live football content with professionalism and expertise.

How to Access the Coverage

BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra 3: Available on digital radio and online via the BBC Sounds app.
BBC Radio Scotland: Live on FM/AM radio in Scotland and online streaming.
BBC Sport Online (Audio): Streaming available worldwide.
BBC Sportscene: Highlights and post-match analysis on BBC Scotland television.
Sky Sports Football/Main Event: Available on Sky subscription TV in the UK and HD/UHD, including Sky Sports News for supplementary coverage.
Celtic TV and Hearts TV: Club subscription services with geo-restriction; Celtic TV includes main commentary and club reporting.

The Match Context

Hearts and Celtic are both vying for critical points in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season. Hearts, under new management, have aimed to establish themselves strongly at their home ground. Celtic continues to be one of Scotland’s dominant football powers, making this fixture a high-stakes encounter. The match carries significant interest for title implications and Scottish football fans across the UK.