BBC Scotland are still being refused access to Celtic press conferences, a statement read out on Reporting Scotland has confirmed.
The broadcaster were famously shut out of Brendan Rodgers’ managerial unveiling at the end of June, in some pretty surprising scenes. No official reason was given for the move and things have been pretty quiet in the six weeks since.
But the issue certainly hasn’t been resolved and the BBC made that clear on their Reporting Scotland news show, the night before the Premiership season starts.
After an extensive preview package aired, host Lewis Irons read the following: “You may be wondering why there was no appearance by Brendan Rodgers in our report. BBC News and Sport are being refused access to Celtic news conferences at the moment. The club has been contacted and is yet to respond.
“BBC Scotland says it’s working with Celtic to resolve the issue.” (Reporting Scotland, 21:30 onwards)
The on-air statement wasn’t too lengthy as you may expect. But it did make it clear that the issue is still ongoing and little, if any, progress has been made since Rodgers’ unveiling.
Shortly after that press conference, the Daily Record reported that BBC Scotland had been locked out as a result of comments made in a pundit’s column.
They reported that it was comments which offered a ‘critical viewpoint’ of Rodgers’ appointment that had been the issue.
The Record cited the phrase “the shameless one” being used. That phrase was used in the introduction of this BBC article from Tom English, so it is fair to assume that it is that piece that Celtic have taken issue with.
Of course, some people will feel it is Celtic’s right to deny access to any outlet they see fit, while others may think revoking access is not something the club should be doing.
Regardless, it does seem like a bit of a mess. Hopefully a solution can be found soon.
In other news, Gallagher Lennon — the son of Hoops hero Neil — could play at Celtic Park this season
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
