Hearts vs Celtic: Sky Sports, BBC and Radio Coverage - Commentators, Presenters and Where to Watch the Scottish Premiership Clash

Match date: 25 January 2026

Hearts vs Celtic: Sky Sports, BBC and Radio Coverage - Commentators, Presenters and Where to Watch the Scottish Premiership Clash

British football fans are in for a treat this afternoon as league leaders Hearts host second-placed Celtic in a pivotal Scottish Premiership encounter at Tynecastle Park, kicking off at 3:00 PM UK time. With Sky Sports Football HD providing live television coverage and extensive BBC radio and online options including BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland, and BBC Sounds, this top-of-the-table tussle is accessible across multiple platforms for viewers across the UK[1][2][3]. Hearts, under manager Derek McInnes, sit six points clear at the summit after 22 matches with 50 points, aiming to extend their lead and potentially move nine points ahead of the defending champions, marking a significant step towards their first top-flight title since 1960[1][4].

Sky Sports, a cornerstone of British sports broadcasting with rights to the Scottish Premiership, leads the TV coverage with presenter Eilidh Barbour at the helm. Barbour, a seasoned Sky Sports presenter known for her work on football and rugby, brings her sharp insights to the studio. Main commentator Ian Crocker, a veteran voice in Sky's football lineup with over two decades of experience calling Premiership and international matches, will be alongside co-commentator Chris Sutton. Sutton, the former Celtic and Blackburn Rovers striker who won the Premier League title in 1995, offers expert analysis drawn from his illustrious playing career that included 149 goals in 339 appearances for Celtic alone. Pundits include Craig Levein, Hearts' former manager who led the club to Scottish Cup glory in 1998 and has a deep history with Tynecastle; Kris Boyd, the prolific Rangers and Kilmarnock striker turned pundit famous for his goal-scoring record in Scottish football; and Darren O'Dea, ex-Celtic captain with over 100 appearances for the Hoops[2][7]. This star-studded lineup ensures comprehensive pre-match build-up, live action, and post-game reaction on Sky Sports Football HD, with reporter Adam Binnie on Sky Sports News providing updates from the ground.

BBC platforms offer robust free-to-air and radio coverage, perfect for British audiences seeking alternatives. On BBC Radio 5 Live, reporter Kenny Crawford delivers on-the-spot reporting. BBC Radio Scotland and the BBC Sounds App feature presenter Richard Gordon, a broadcasting legend with over 30 years at the BBC, having commentated on thousands of Scotland internationals and domestic games. Main commentator Liam McLeod, renowned for his passionate calls on Scottish football for BBC and Premier Sports, teams up with co-commentators Pat Bonner, the former Celtic goalkeeper with 439 appearances and four league titles; Ryan Stevenson, ex-Hearts and Rangers midfielder; and pundit Tom English, a respected journalist and BBC Sport columnist. Reporter Brian McLauchlin adds pitch-side detail, while BBC Sport Online audio mirrors much of this team and BBC Sportscene focuses on highlights with McLauchlin[1].

For club fans, Celtic TV (subscription, geo-restricted) boasts main commentator Gerry McCulloch, a stalwart of Scottish broadcasting with decades at Sky and Clyde, co-commentator Peter Grant, former Celtic player and manager with 414 appearances, and reporter Matthew Campbell. Hearts TV counters with main commentator Laurie Dunsire, ex-Hearts defender turned coach, and co-commentator Jimmy Sandison, another Jambos stalwart. talkSPORT features reporter Paul Mitchell, while the world feed utilises Crocker's commentary with Sutton, underscoring Sky's production prowess[2].

This clash at Tynecastle is more than a game; it's a potential title-definer in a chaotic season where Hearts have disrupted the traditional Old Firm dominance. Hearts top the table with 15 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses from 22 games, boasting a +25 goal difference led by Lawrence Shankland's 10 goals[4][6]. Celtic, with 14 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses for 44 points, rely on Benjamin Nygren's 8 goals amid a campaign marked by managerial changes, including Martin O'Neill's caretaker stint[1][3]. Prior meetings this season saw Hearts triumph 1-2 at Celtic Park on December 7, 2025, and 3-1 at home on October 26, 2025, positioning the Jambos to beat Celtic three times in one campaign for the first time[4].

Hearts' recent form includes a 1-1 draw and victories over Dundee and Livingston, showcasing resilience despite injuries[6]. Celtic's away form has been solid, but dropping points here could see Rangers, also on 44 points, close in[4]. Tynecastle's electric atmosphere, with its tight pitch and vocal support, often amplifies underdogs, as Hearts demonstrated in prior wins over the Hoops. Manager McInnes, appointed amid turmoil at both Celtic and Rangers, has instilled a pragmatic style blending defence and counter-attacks, with new loan signing Marc Leonard slotting into midfield alongside Harry Milne[1].

Celtic's attacking flair remains potent, but defensive lapses have cost them. O'Neill's return has steadied the ship post-Wilfried Nancy's brief tenure, yet Hearts' organisation under McInnes poses a stern test. Key battles include Shankland versus Celtic's backline and Hearts' midfield control against Celtic's creative talents. For British fans, Sky Sports' high-definition broadcast captures every moment, from Hatate's past heroics to potential title-shifting goals[1][3].

The punditry adds layers of expertise. Levein's Hearts tenure included promotion and cup success, giving him unique insight into Tynecastle tactics. Boyd's 222 Scottish Premiership goals make him a scoring authority, while O'Dea's Celtic leadership offers Hoops perspective. On BBC, Bonner's goalkeeping wisdom and Stevenson's midfield nous complement Gordon's encyclopedic knowledge and McLeod's vivid commentary. English, with his journalistic prowess, provides balanced analysis on the title race's implications.

Historically, Hearts last won the Scottish top flight in 1959-60, fuelling dreams of ending a 66-year drought. Celtic, 55-time champions, face pressure to reclaim supremacy from Rangers' shadow. This match echoes classic derbies, though not Old Firm, with Tynecastle's intensity rivaling Ibrox or Parkhead. Weather in Edinburgh this January afternoon is crisp, typical for gritty Scottish football[2].

Beyond live action, post-match analysis on Sky Sports News with Binnie's reports and BBC Sportscene highlights ensure fans relive key moments. For those abroad, world feed access via international broadcasters uses Sky's feed. Club streams cater to loyal supporters seeking biased views.

In a league standings tight at the top—Hearts 50 points, Celtic and Rangers 44, Motherwell 40—this result could reshape the run-in. Hearts' home form is formidable, unbeaten in recent outings, while Celtic must harness O'Neill's momentum. British viewers, tune into Sky for visuals or BBC radio for immersive audio; either way, this is unmissable Scottish Premiership drama.

Explore more on Sky Sports Hearts vs Celtic coverage, delve into Hearts' official history, or check Scottish Premiership details for full context.

With kick-off imminent, anticipation builds. Will Hearts cement their lead, or can Celtic strike back? The commentators are ready, the stage is set at Tynecastle.