Ally McCoist refuses to speak to the BBC
In an item claiming that the policing costs of last season’s seven Glasgow derby matches cost £2.4m Reporting Scotland covered the media conferences of both club’s managers.
While Neil Lennon comfortably answered with some stock replies the new Rangers boss appeared uncomfortable being quizzed about a largely non football matter at a media conference essentially to preview the SPL opener with Hearts.
“I didn’t really see any violence at Old Firm fixtures,” the Rangers boss replied uneasily to the first question before the BBC edited in a very brief clip of McCoist smiling before cutting to move on to the next question.
“Is the behaviour of fans a concern for you looking at the new season, the problems that we saw last season,” was the follow up questsion with a voice in the background interrupting as McCoist prepared to answer.
The Rangers boss shook his head and gave a no answer before leaving with the BBC continuing the report by saying: “It may not worry Ally McCoist but it worries plenty of others.
“The cost of plicing the six Old Firm games at Ibrox last season was £1.97m, the clubs contributed £301,000 less than a sixth.”
Before and after yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Hearts the BBC were given no access to McCoist which they would normally expect as a broadcasting partner of the SPL, after the match the Rangers boss was interviewed by Sky’s Peter Martin.
The BBC didn’t comment on the matter or explain why they were unable to provide licence payers with the thoughts of the Rangers boss.
It’s not known if the ban was a one off or likely to develop into a Sir Alex Ferguson type ban where the BBC haven’t had an interview from the Manchester United manager for a number of years despite FA Premiership guidelines insisting that the BBC get after match interviews with club managers.
Interestingly the BBC report gave a breakdown on six of last season’s seven derby fixtures- all of which were screened live by Sky Sports.
The other fixture which was removed from their calculations was the Co-Operative Cup Final at Hampden which was screened live by the BBC.
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