BBC Scotland is under fire after choosing to illustrate a report on alleged sectarian singing by Ross County fans with an image of Callum McGregor and Celtic supporters.
It seems that Tony Ralston’s late winning goal on Wednesday night has led to something of a breakdown throughout the state broadcaster.
Their digital team was too quick off the mark as they reported on the significance of a six point gap opening at the top of the SPFL Premiership table.
As even the most junior reporter knows it aint over till the fat lady sings, jumping the gun isn’t wise with Celtic fans delighted to share screen grabs of the embarrassing story from BBC Scotland.
Work still to be done by @SRtRCScotland pic.twitter.com/UfFRu1QwxW
— Joe McHugh (@videocelts) December 16, 2021
Tom English and Jane Lewis were next to express their ire at the wrong result which is partly understandable in the heat of the moment.
What is less understandable is the choice of image on the follow up story. Such stories require sensitive treatment, most responsible publishers would use a stadium image of a picture of the main entrance but a management chain inside the BBC opted to go with a picture of McGregor and some Celtic fans.
BBC Scotland and their vast staff is funded solely from licence payments.
Ross County have “strongly condemned” sectarian behaviour from some of their fans in the midweek loss to Celtic and promised “the strongest possible action” against those responsible.
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) December 17, 2021
@BBCSportScot the image you have selected to attach to this article about alleged sectarian behaviour of @RossCounty fans is actually @CelticFC fans on the pitch after the last minute goal #deflection #smsm not suiting a particular narrative? Please explain. I will wait…
— Bungo_FCSP ?? (@Bungo_StPauli) December 17, 2021
Amazing photo ,thanks for sharing
— Wullie Malloy (@Jimskiv92) December 17, 2021
That’s a picture of Celtic and Celtic fans !!!!
— Martin Clark (@MartinC23269240) December 17, 2021
And it’s still up! So the BBC thinks the best way to illustrate “Ross County fans’ sectarian behaviour” is to show a photo of Celtic fans. One can only assume this is quite deliberate. It is also shockingly manipulative of the narrative.
— Bertie Glossop (@Blarrknulp) December 18, 2021
To imply that our fans deserve it.
— Dave’s at the rave. (@davidkerr1970) December 18, 2021
Story about sectarian Ross Cnty fans yet you’re using (& re-tweeting!) a picture of Celtic fans coming onto pitch? ?
— FMG65 (@fmg1965) December 17, 2021
As said, it is public/our (licence) money that is being abused and wasted.
Don’t watch don’t pay the BBC.
TAV ,PEN he is some player the amount of goals he’s scored,oh wait they’ve all been penalties.scotland is a fuckin joke ,Hun Sevco orang bigoted midden of the best wee country in the world.
Ah the old sectarian abuse crap!!! It’s anti Irish abuse!! Come it’s not hard just say what it is.