Where to Watch Celtic v Rangers: Sky Sports, BBC Radio and Full Commentary Teams for Old Firm Clash on January 3, 2026

The electrifying Celtic v Rangers showdown in the Scottish Premiership on January 3, 2026, at 12:30 UK time promises another chapter in one of football's fiercest rivalries. British viewers can tune into Sky Sports Football HD, Sky Sports Main Event HD and Sky Sports Main Event UHD for live coverage, featuring presenter Eilidh Barbour, commentator Ian Crocker, and a star-studded pundit line-up including Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton. Meanwhile, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland and other BBC platforms offer comprehensive audio commentary, with Conor McNamara leading the charge alongside experts like Pat Nevin and Billy Dodds.

This Old Firm derby at Celtic Park is a highlight of the season, with Celtic sitting second in the table on 38 points from 19 games and Rangers third on 35 points, making every moment crucial in the title race[1][2]. Sky Sports, as a key broadcaster for Scottish football, delivers high-definition coverage across multiple channels, ensuring fans don't miss the action. Sky Sports News HD will also provide build-up with pundits Chris Sutton and Neil McCann, plus reporters Luke Shanley, Gordon Duncan and Adam Binnie.

Eilidh Barbour, the presenter on Sky Sports, has built a stellar career in sports broadcasting. A former BBC presenter, she joined Sky Sports in 2017 and has covered major events including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League, earning praise for her poised style and deep football knowledge. Her role in this match underscores Sky's commitment to top-tier presentation for marquee fixtures.

Main commentator Ian Crocker brings decades of experience, having voiced games for Sky Sports since 2000. Known for his enthusiastic delivery, Crocker has commentated on countless Old Firm derbies, capturing the intensity that defines these encounters. Co-commentators Neil McCann and Chris Sutton add insider expertise; McCann, a former Rangers winger with over 300 appearances for the club, transitioned seamlessly into punditry, offering tactical insights. Sutton, a Celtic legend who scored 63 goals in 130 games, is renowned for his blunt analysis on Sky Sports and BBC.

Pundits Kris Boyd and Jackie McNamara elevate the coverage. Boyd, Rangers' all-time top scorer with 222 goals, is a staple on Sky Sports, his goal-scoring prowess and media savvy making him a fan favourite. McNamara, son of the legendary Jackie McNamara Sr., played for both Celtic and Rangers, providing balanced perspectives from his 600+ career games.

BBC platforms cater to radio enthusiasts with extensive coverage. On BBC Radio 5 Live, presenter Mark Chapman – a veteran broadcaster who has hosted Match of the Day and covered multiple World Cups – leads, with Conor McNamara on main commentary. McNamara, a BBC stalwart since 1998, has narrated Premier League and international matches, his calm voice a hallmark of big games. Co-commentator Pat Nevin, the stylish winger who shone at Everton and Clyde, offers eloquent analysis drawn from his 25-year playing career and long broadcasting tenure.

BBC Radio Scotland features presenter Kenny Macintyre, main commentator Liam McLeod, and co-commentators Billy Dodds and Pat Bonner. McLeod is a respected voice in Scottish football, while Dodds, a Rangers icon with 100+ goals, brings passion from his playing days. Bonner, Celtic's legendary goalkeeper with 439 appearances, provides goalkeeping expertise. Pundits Tom English, a journalist-turned-pundit known for his BBC work, and Michael Stewart, ex-Hibs and Hearts midfielder, round out the team.

Reporter Martin Dowden covers pitch-side for multiple BBC outlets, including BBC Football Focus, BBC Sportscene, BBC Sounds App and BBC Sport Online (Audio), ensuring comprehensive updates. The BBC Sport Celtic page offers more on the Hoops' campaign.

Club channels provide exclusive options. Celtic TV (subscription, geo-restricted) features presenter Gerry McCulloch, a broadcasting veteran with decades at BBC and Sky; commentator Paul Cuddihy; co-commentator Peter Grant, Celtic's former captain; pundits Aiden McGeady, the Irish winger with 71 Celtic goals, and Simon Donnelly; plus reporter John Ledwith. Rangers TV (subscription, geo-restricted) has commentator Tom Miller.

Radio Clyde 1 offers presenter Andrew MacLean with pundits Cammy Bell (ex-Kilmarnock keeper), Hugh Keevins (veteran journalist) and Gordon Dalziel (ex-Rangers striker), reporter Gabriel Antoniazzi.

International viewers access the world feed with commentator Paul Mitchell and co-commentator Stephen Craigan, former Motherwell captain. Channels include beIN Connect New Zealand, beIN Sports Australia 3 HD, CBS Sports Network USA, Hub Sports 2 HD and Paramount+ (US).

The Old Firm derby transcends sport in Scotland, rooted in history since 1888. Celtic lead the head-to-head 170-169 post-war, but Rangers hold recent edges[1]. Under new Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy, who secured his first win against Aberdeen, the Parkhead side aims to extend their +15 goal difference advantage[1]. Rangers, with top scorer pursuits amid a 9-8-2 record, eye the summit where Hearts lead on 41 points[1].

Sky Sports' coverage, enhanced by UHD on Main Event, captures every angle, from Luke Shanley's reporting to the punditry depth. BBC's radio network, leveraging McNamara's pedigree and Nevin's insight, ensures audio excellence. For British fans, these outlets make the 12:30 kick-off unmissable.

Background on key figures enriches the viewing. Chris Sutton's transition from prolific striker – including Blackburn's Premier League title – to pundit has seen him provoke debates on air. Kris Boyd, post-Rangers retirement, became a TV mainstay, his Kilmarnock stints adding breadth. Pat Nevin's advocacy for mental health in football complements his technical breakdowns.

On BBC Radio Scotland, Billy Dodds' Rangers tenure (over 140 games) informs his Rangers-leaning views, balanced by Pat Bonner's Celtic loyalty. Tom English, chief sports writer for The Sunday Times, brings journalistic rigour, while Michael Stewart's Hearts background offers midfield mastery.

Celtic TV's Peter Grant won four titles as player and captain, later managing Celtic. Aiden McGeady's flair earned a £9.5m Everton move. Rangers TV's Tom Miller is a club stalwart in commentary.

Explore more via the Sky Sports Celtic v Rangers preview or Rangers official site. The Scottish Premiership's TV rights, held by Sky and BBC, guarantee broad access.

As tensions build at Celtic Park, with standings tight[1][2], this match could shift the title narrative. Whether via Sky's visuals or BBC's audio, Britain's premier channels deliver unparalleled access to the drama.

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