3pm TV blackout irritating says Prince William

Prince William says he started supporting Aston Villa after family friends took him to a game against Bolton

Prince William says the rules which stop football matches being shown on television if they kick off at 15:00 on a Saturday are "irritating".

The Aston Villa fan - who is patron of the English Football Association - says the blackout often stops him being able to watch his side when he cant get to matches.

"Getting up to Villa Park isnt the easiest thing for me but I like to watch as many games as I possibly can either by being there or on TV," he told The Sun, external newspaper.

"The biggest thing at home is trying to find it on TV sometimes because obviously youve got the Saturday 3pm blackout which is irritating.

"But its really annoying that we still cant watch our own teams Premier League match in this country but you can go abroad and watch any game any time."

The rule to stop matches being televised on Saturday afternoons, when most games are played, was introduced in the 1960s to encourage fans to attend lower league games.

European footballs governing body Uefa imposes the blackout when it is requested by the Football Association.

And the blackout was protected in the last Premier League domestic TV rights deal, which runs to 2029.

However, broadcasters abroad hold rights to show the Saturday afternoon games.

The most recent English Football League (EFL) rights deal also protects the 3pm Saturday blackout.

The Prince also confirmed in the interview what he had revealed to some Villa fans in a pub conversation earlier this year - that he went on fans forums, anonymously, to comment on issues at the club.

"I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages," he said.

"I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. Its important to have that debate."

Prince William was at Villa Park to see his side progress to the Champions League quater finals this week