BBC Scotland release statement on Celtic Sportscene highlights; now impacted by ongoing chaos

By John McGinley

March 11, 2023

BBC Scotland have confirmed that tonight’s Sportscene Scottish Cup highlights show featuring a Celtic win over Hearts will be impacted by developments this weekend involving their sports departments.

Multiple pundits and commentators across the UK have shown solidarity with presenter Gary Lineker after he was pulled from tonight’s Match Of The Day programme following criticism he made of the Government’s immigration policy and language. [The Guardian]

BBC Sportsound deviated from their usual Celtic coverage earlier this afternoon, throwing over to pre-recorded podcasts instead of having analysis and interviews in the wake of a rousing Bhoys win at Tynecastle, despite having live commentary.

Celtic Sportscene highlights impacted by ongoing furore

Now BBC Scotland has confirmed the latest edition of Sportscene will be pared back in line with how the broadcaster handles this evening’s Match Of The Day show.

In a statement on social media site Twitter, they said: “The BBC will only be able to bring limited sport programming this weekend and our schedules will be updated to reflect that. Sportscene will run this evening on BBC One Scotland and BBC Scotland, with an amended format similar to current plans for Match of the Day.

“Some of the Sportsound slot on Radio Scotland was replaced by pre-recorded material. We are sorry for these changes which we recognise will be disappointing for BBC sport fans. We are working hard to resolve the situation and hope to do so soon.”

Reports from outlets such as The Mirror have indicated this could include no in-studio hosting, punditry analysis or interviews, as well as even a lack of commentary on the games themselves.

It seems that the BBC’s stance on Lineker, who merely expressed an opinion, has caused them unforeseen hassle and drama as people justifiably choose to stand up in support of the former England international.

The Sportscene show featuring Celtic is currently due to be aired, in an unusual format, at 7:30pm on the BBC Scotland channel and 11:40pm on BBC One Scotland.

In other news, Celtic Scottish Cup SF Draw: line-up, time, dates and TV details.