BBC Scotland have been forced to apologise after using an “offensive image” of Ryan Jack during their coverage.
The media outlet apologised to Rangers and Jack after the image was used in coverage of the cup semi-final shambles. They have said they “regret the error”.
It’s the latest in a long line of incidents between the two bodies. BBC Scotland and Rangers have been at odds for close to a decade. It has resulted in a near two-year boycott of press conference and match coverage by the National Broadcaster.
The image above clearly shows Abedeen supporters with a ‘Red or Dead’ banner which shows Jack’s severed head being held up by their captain Graeme Shinnie.
It’s only a laugh but, ae?
Tensions very high between two parties
It’s incredible this has gone on so long. Many fans believe it was anything but a misjudgement or accident.
Their coverage also lacks balance. Just imagine if it was Rangers fans and an opposition player. The reaction would be hysterical. The BBC are doing themselves no favours here.
In 2011 the BBC were forced to apologise after cutting an interview with then manager Ally McCoist to look like he didn’t take sectarianism seriously. Rangers withdrew co-operation with the BBC not long after due to “repeated difficulties”.
Rangers then banned Chris McLaughlin for unbalanced reporting in 2015. After that BBC Scotland took the unprecedented step of boycotting the coverage.
This is the latest in a long line of controversy and the situation is very strained. There were hopes that Rangers and the BBC would be able to make amends after McLaughlin switched roles. As of yet that hasn’t happened.
There was no sensitivity at all with the image of Jack. His signing at Ibrox was shrouded in controversy. Tensions have also been running high all week with the ticket fiasco. This just merely inflames it.
If it is the case that certain individuals at the BBC are progressing some kind of anti-Rangers agenda, it reflects badly on our national press.
But just imagine how raging they are at the progress made under Gerrard.
Imagine how raging they’d be if he only went and won the league.
