LaLiga breaks silence with UK fans BANNED from watching Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut this weekend

LALIGA have argued the TV blackout rule stopping UK fans from watching Jude Bellingham’s El Clasico debut should be scrapped.

Bellingham and his Real Madrid side travel to Barcelona on Saturday.

British TV viewers will be denied the chance to see Jude Bellingham take on Barcelona for the first time since his summer move to Real MadridRex

But the 3.15pm UK kick-off — scheduled so Asia-based fans can watch the game — means it cannot be shown live by Viaplay in this country.

The blackout — from 2.45-5.15pm — was introduced in the 1960s to protect attendances and Prem clubs recently agreed to keep it in place until at least 2029.

Keegan Pierce,  LaLiga’s UK and  Ireland MD, said: “We’re disappointed that British fans cannot watch El Clasico this weekend due to the UK’s self- imposed Saturday 3pm rule.”

LaLiga believe many fans who want to watch England ace Bellingham   and Co would not otherwise go to UK games.

Pierce added:  “While we fully support  measures to promote attendance, we believe the blackout should be limited to the  televising of domestic football, not overseas competitions.”

It comes as Bellingham, 20, continues to somehow make his £115million fee seem like a bargain.

The midfielder has notched 11 goals in 12 games since his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Spanish outlet Diario labelled him the “The New Boss of the Bernabeu” on their front page.

And Bellingham will again make the cover if he inspires LaLiga leaders Real to an El Clasico victory on Saturday.

Girona are second on goal difference – with Barca a point behind in third place.