Rangers fans have been left outraged at the latest negative remark connected to BBC Scotland, with many feeling the broadcaster has gone too far this time.
In a discussion on BBC Scotland’s “The Nine” programme [originally aired 22/03/19 9 pm], one panellist referenced Rangers with regards domestic abuse. It’s a pretty serious thing to say. No wonder fans are up in arms.
Attempting to imply Rangers and domestic abuse are inexplicably linked, or at least more so than other clubs, is incredibly unfair and dangerous. It plays on bigoted stereotypes and many fans feel it takes the BBC’s ongoing campaign against the club to excessive new heights. Here’s what supporters say.
https://twitter.com/CraigAtTheTop/status/1109211732415860739
https://twitter.com/King1Scott/status/1109364590364766208
https://twitter.com/EmpireFF/status/1109224250328649728
https://twitter.com/BazCast3K/status/1109382532678803456
https://twitter.com/ImNotSnowWhite1/status/1109255595167834113
The point in question concerns where one panellist said: “domestic abuse is not a black eye after The Rangers lose or something”.
Whilst there is a wider issue with domestic abuse and football, the naming of the club suggests it’s a problem with domestic abuse and Rangers. Or at least that’s how Rangers fans are viewing it. There’s also an argument here that it was a throwaway remark and has been taken out of context.
But for many, it once again separates, demonises and subjugates the club and its supporters. Big bad Rangers this time inspiring domestic abuse.
The comments were made by Nicola Gilchrist, an Advocate and Chair of Scottish Women’s Aid. Whilst she could’ve perhaps avoided the controversy by saying “your football side lose”, she’s further inflamed matters by naming Rangers.
Rangers and BBC Scotland remain at loggerheads
Rangers have been at odds with the national broadcaster for close to a decade with the dispute coming more to the fore recently. The club’s hierarchy has even waded in.
Rangers’ Managing Director Stewart Robertson was outspoken about the broadcaster in a recent interview released by the club.
The BBC responded with claims that it is “editorially fair”, a suggestion even the most liberal of Rangers fans would find it hard to agree with.
Ongoing incidents with BBC Scotland have also ranged from the serious to the absurd.
The Broadcaster was forced to delete a tweet which suggested James Tavernier was mutually responsible for being attacked by a pitch-invading Hibs fan.
The ongoing dispute even resulted in a protest from a fans group just before Rangers’ recent match with Kilmarnock.
This latest incident suggests that the bad feeling between the two parties shows no signs of improving.
