Hibs v Hamilton play-off final to be televised

Jordon Forster, Alex Harris and Michael Nelson are a picture of dejection after the defeat to Kilmarnock. Picture: SNS

The first leg, scheduled for New Douglas Park on Wednesday May 21 at 7.45pm will be shown live on Sky Sports, with the second leg, at Easter Road the following Sunday May 25 at 3.30pm being screened by BT Sport 1.

BBC Scotland will also provide comprehensive radio coverage of both matches, along with two TV highlights programmes on the nights of both legs as well as an online highlights package.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “Interest in the new Premiership Play-Off has been huge and the level of excitement is only set to increase further this week.

Kenny Black and Andy Dow vie for the ball. Picture: TSPL

“We are delighted to confirm Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC Scotland will all play a role in bringing both legs of the final to football fans across Scotland.”

Hibernian contested the last top-flight play-off at the end of the 1996/97 season, having finished ninth in the Scottish Premier Division.

Facing Airdrie, who had come second in the First Division, Hibs won the first leg 1-0 at Easter Road courtesy of a Stevie Cooper own goal, and ran out 4-2 winners in the second leg at Broadwood thanks to two penalties from Darren Jackson and a goal apiece from Keith Wright and Paul Tosh.

Gary Hughes, Head of Football for Sky Sports said he was looking forward to providing viewers with a ‘thrilling conclusion’ to the season, adding: “We are delighted to add the first ever Scottish Premiership Play-Off Final between Hamilton Academical and Hibernian to our unrivalled coverage of Scottish football which includes the SPFL, Scottish Cup and Scotland Internationals.”

Simon Green, head of BT Sport - who missed out on televising the last day meeting between Hibs and Kilmarnock - added: “BT Sport has thoroughly enjoyed its first season bringing fans the drama and storylines of an action-packed Scottish Professional Football League season. Our team, led by Darrell Currie, Gary McAllister, Derek Rae and Stephen Craigan are looking forward to broadcasting the culmination of the season with the second leg of the Premiership Play-Off Final exclusively live from Easter Road. We wish both clubs the best of luck.”

Ewan Angus, Head of Sport, BBC Scotland, said: “The play-offs have provided an intriguing end to the season and I’m delighted our audiences can enjoy the highlights on television and online and full live radio commentary of the final two matches. It promises to be a thrilling finale.”