Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Why is the first El Clasico of 2016-17 not being shown live on British TV?

BRITISH football fans have been dealt a massive blow with the news the first El Clasico clash of the season will NOT be live on TV.

Barcelona host Real Madrid on December 3 at 3:15pm UK time — and broadcasting rules mean the game will not be live on television.

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FA rules forbid any football being shown on television between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.

But you can listen to it live on

Over 100 countries worldwide will be able to watch the most anticipated club match in football — and the first 2016-17 showdown between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sky Sports will show the match on full at the delayed time of 5:15pm, as in recent years.

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La Liga president, Javier Tebas, has defended the decision, saying: "The Barcelona and Real Madrid game will be played on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

“The game will not be aired in England because of the TV embargo that is placed at that time.

"We had three windows we had considered, at 1pm, 4:15 pm and 6:30pm.

“We analysed those with our audiovisual team and to play at 6 pm is too late in Asia while to play at 1pm is too early for the American market."

"I look at other leagues when setting the timetable.

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"The timetable is a strategy we have been working on in recent years and the results are there.

“Our international sales have tripled because of that and the quality of the players we have in our league.

"We are continuously looking at ways that we can improve our product.

“For example, we have installed aerial cameras in seven venues and by the end of the season, we will have that in three more stadiums.”

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Last season, Real Madrid shocked Barcelona by winning 2-1 at the Nou Camp — as the Catalans began a mid-season wobble.

Luis Enrique’s men are currently second with two defeats in their last six games.

While Real Madrid are still unbeaten and six points ahead of their arch rivals going into the clash.