Rangers derby victory over Celtic blew the Premiership title race wide open - and smashed TV viewing figure records at the same time.
The Ibrox club's first win at Celtic Park in nine years attracted a global audience which is unmatched in the SPFL era.
Rangers moved to within two points of the Hoops with a game in hand thanks to the 2-1 win at Parkhead.
And the match achieved Sky Sports’ highest-ever audience for a live SPFL match, league chiefs and Sky Sports confirmed today.
It's better than the average audience an English Premier League match enjoys which currently stands at a little over a million.
To put it in context, a month earlier 915,00 tuned in for the Betfred Cup Final between the two sides with BT Sports' coverage - which spread over nine hours - attracting just over a million in total.
The increase in viewing numbers was welcomed by both the SPFL and Sky Sports ahead of Sky Sports becoming the exclusive live partner for SPFL Premiership matches in a five-season agreement starting from season 2020/21.
Demonstrating the continuing worldwide interest in the renowned fixture, the match was made available for live broadcast and highlights shown in over 120 countries.
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive, said: “The record viewing figures for the December Celtic vs Rangers match is fantastic news and highlights the increasing interest in Scottish football, not only within Scotland but across the whole of the UK and around the globe.
“The SPFL continues to deliver the passion, drama and excitement that Scottish football has long been renowned for. We look forward to building upon this as we extend our new, long-term agreement with Sky Sports starting from season 2020/21.”
Gary Hughes, Head of Football at Sky Sports, added: “Sky Sports is delighted that over 1.4m viewers watched one of world football’s greatest rivalries between Celtic and Rangers. Viewing of the SPFL has risen 8% on last season, and 47% on the 2017/18 campaign, showing the appetite our customers have for Scottish football.
“We very much look forward to bringing viewers all the best matches, including every Old Firm game, as the season reaches its climax. All this ahead of Sky Sports becoming the exclusive home of the SPFL from the 2020/21 season.”
