Anyone know the reason behind todays FA Cup semi-final being shown on ESPN?

[Craftypig]

I thought that the FA Cup was one of the sporting "crown jewels" and as such was free to view on terrestrial tv.

[Psybbo]

Because thet need the money!

[redman41]

It's my gripe as well Craftypig !
PPV rules the roost these days but both semis should have been shown on Free to air TV.
Will be watching Arsenal v Liverpool on Sky 1.

[dtgblue]

Both ITV and ESPN bought the rights to show FA cup games, one each from every round, sharing the cost between them. ITV paid a larger share and so got first choice of games. I believe they will both show the final.

[TonyV]

No sib - they bought the rights to show it - lol - if you you want to watch game live - then ask AB'ers -in sport - sure they can give you a link

[paross]

F.A.O Lie-in King and Redman

I'M BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I haven't even started today's crossword yet tho! You will be in bed by the time I'm finished!

[redman41]

Well Hello Paross, long time no 'speak' !
How is Cornwall and have you settled OK ??
Hope you are well !!

[Lie-in King]

Wotcher! Where've you been? They're not too bad today... :-) x

[Lie-in King]

DOH! Of course...

[Mamyalynne]

Hello everyone, welcome back paross,Come on you Wanderers !!!

[paross]

Hi Redman, It's so lovely to be back in contact with the outside world. No broadband from New Year to now! I didn't realise how much I would miss it. We rented for three months during which time we were house hunting and we moved into our cottage(!!) on 2nd April, but couldn't get BT engineer out till Friday. Anyway I am well and still unpacking boxes and black sacks! Hope you are well too - when's the wedding?!

[redman41]

Hi mamyalynne ! Have you got ESPN so you can watch the game ? I think it will be a better match than yesterdays Semi

[redman41]

Good for you Paross, hope you will be happy in your new Home. We are all still plodding on with life and the Xwords but still not rich with Prize money ! :-))

[Mamyalynne]

No ESPN here for me, but am rooting for them all the same. My nephew is there so will hopefully keep us updated somehow.

[sir.prize]

Watch the Stoke v Bolton game online at any of these links (at 4p.m.)

http://www.firstrowsp...rs-vs-stoke-city.html

http://vipbox.tv/watc...rs-vs-stoke-city.html

http://mypremium.tv/

http://quality-strm.b...rs-vs-stoke-city.html

[Mamyalynne]

Triggs really? thought you were nearer to me than that, may the best team win.

Sir Prize, thanks for those links.

[Mamyalynne]

So near and yet so far, sniff!

[sir.prize]

Stoke 1, Bolton 0