BBC Scotland were denied access to today’s Brendan Rodgers unveiling at Celtic Park, although the reasons behind their shut out have not yet been made clear publicly by either party.
The broadcaster released a short statement earlier this afternoon, which read: “We’re sorry that Celtic did not allow us to access today’s media event. We are in discussions with the club in an effort to resolve the situation.”
A later update came on their live page of the press conference which said: “BBC Scotland has asked Celtic for comment on the decision to deny the BBC access to the media conference and is awaiting a response.”
These kinds of decisions are likely made from senior positions in the Celtic hierarchy but it’s not confirmed exactly who was behind this call, or what the circumstances are around it.
The BBC were infamously banned from Ibrox for a number of years after a dispute with Rangers and while there’s no indication this will drag on as long, it’s another blow to the publicly-funded outlet and their coverage of Scottish football.
Until we know more, it’s impossible to offer a definitive judgement on the call. From a personal perspective, I don’t think it’s the right thing to shut outlets out of press events – even harsh critics – and hopefully, these issues can be resolved soon.
Regardless of your view of BBC Scotland’s output and coverage of Scottish football, they do provide a pretty comprehensive service of delivering information and interviews on Celtic and Celtic-related news – especially during the action of a season.
A Celtic manager’s pre and post-match interviews with the broadcaster on the touchline are often must-listen affairs for many, whether the manager in place is taking a reporter to task or simply offering updates of value to the support.
It’ll be interesting to see how the reporting develops on this situation and if the club will make comment on the circumstances.
67 Hail Hail were in attendance at a media event involving the manager today and we will bring you coverage of that across our platforms as soon as possible.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic supporter ‘hurt’ after 2019 exit to Leicester City.
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