A CONTROVERSIAL graphic used by BBC Scotland – depicting a silhouetted Rangers FC manager, Ally McCoist, falling to the ground, in the style of the US drama, Mad Men – has reportedly escaped being investigated by the broadcasting regulators, Ofcom.
The graphic was screened by the BBC Scotland flagship programme, Sportscene, ahead of live coverage of a Rangers versus Motherwell match in September.
Reports The Scotsman today, the BBC received 270 complaints and Ofcom, a further 54. But the paper says the watchdog will not be launching an investigation.
In the immediate wake of the screening, the BBC was banned from attending media briefings. The ban is still in operation.
An Ofcom spokesperson is quoted, as saying: “Our assessment was that the programme included a graphic illustration of the problems that had been facing Rangers rather than a serious or literal suggestion of suicide.”
John McMillan, head of the Rangers Supporters Association, is also quoted, this time saying: “I disagree with Ofcom’s decision and feel that the BBC should have been reprimanded in one way or another.
“It seems this tasteless and irresponsible broadcast has just been shrugged off.”
