More than 1.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Sunday’s dramatic 2 to 2 draw between Rangers and Celtic as the Scottish Premiership title race continues to gather pace.
The audience figure, recorded across Sky Sports platforms, represents the highest viewing figures for a Scottish league match in almost two seasons.
Viewership peaked at 1.15 million during the derby clash as fans followed one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Scottish football.
The figures follow another strong audience earlier in the month when 674,000 viewers watched Rangers defeat league leaders Heart of Midlothian 4 to 2 on 15 February.
That match also delivered one of the largest audiences in recent seasons for a meeting between the two clubs on the broadcaster.
Interest in the Premiership has grown as the title race develops into one of the most competitive in recent years.
Heart of Midlothian currently sit five points clear at the top of the table on 63 points.
Celtic occupy second place on 58 points after their recent 2 to 1 victory over Aberdeen which was also shown live on Sky Sports.
Rangers are close behind in third on 57 points.
Motherwell remain in contention on 53 points with a game in hand against Dundee scheduled for Saturday.
With several teams still in the hunt for the championship, the closing weeks of the season are expected to deliver a dramatic finish.
Sky Sports has confirmed that a number of upcoming fixtures will be broadcast live as the title race reaches its final stages.
Livingston will face Heart of Midlothian at 2pm on Sunday 5 April.
That match will be followed later the same day by Dundee against Celtic at 4.30pm.
Falkirk will then host Rangers at 12 noon on Sunday 12 April.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Group Chief Executive, said the viewing figures reflect the excitement building across the league.
“It promises to be one of the most dramatic conclusions to a William Hill Premiership in many years and it is great to see such strong viewing figures for recent matches on Sky Sports.
“These numbers reinforce the incredible interest building around the title race and the appetite among supporters to follow every twist and turn as the season reaches its climax.
“With so much still to play for across the division supporters can look forward to a thrilling run in and it is great that fans will be able to follow the action live on Sky Sports in the weeks ahead.”
Sky Sports Director of Football Gary Hughes said the title race had become one of the most compelling stories in the game this season.
“The William Hill Premiership title race is one of the great stories of the football season.
“The league has already produced plenty of drama on and off the pitch and it is brilliant to see so many fans tuning in.
“With so much still to play for Sky Sports is excited to bring unrivalled coverage of the biggest matches providing expert analysis of all the twists and turns during the run in.”
