BBC dismiss accusations of bias against Rangers over boycott

The BBC has defended its ongoing boycott of Rangers after supporters complained of 'bias' over the corporation's refusal to send reporters to games.

Rangers have banned BBC Scotland reporter Chris McLaughlin from attending matches at Ibrox. Picture: John Devlin

The row began in January after it was revealed BBC Scotland reporter Chris McLaughlin had been told he was no longer allowed to attend games at Ibrox.

It was the second time McLaughlin had been refused access by the club, the first of which occurred last summer and led to a one-month boycott by the BBC. It was dropped after discussions between both sides enabled the reporter to continue his working duties at the home of the Glasgow club.

The latest boycott is close to entering its third month and has led to complaints from fans that the BBC are not being fair to Rangers, with one accusing them of showing bias by sticking with such a stance.

However, Anna Sweeney of BBC complaints, insisted this is a line of action the BBC would take against any institution that sought to undermine the credibility of their journalist.

She said: “We believe it is unjustifiable and we stand by the integrity and the quality of our journalism.

“We will continue to report on Rangers both on and off the pitch and will feature match action where appropriate but, until this issue is resolved, we will not be sending journalists to Ibrox or attending Rangers’ press conferences.”

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