McCoist Gets an Apology – But What About the Rest of Us?

Ally McCoist got an apology from BBC Scotland (sic) after they manipulated film footage to suggest that he took a flippant attitude to sectarian violence. But what about the rest of us who were, and not for the first time, deliberately lied to by the state sponsored broadcaster. The people of Scotland were treated with contempt and its time that the liars were kicked over the border to where they really want to be.

The Rangers’ manager, Ally McCoist has received an apology from the BBC in Scotland after it deliberately  manipulated footage from a press conference in an attempt to show the Ibrox boss taking what he referred to as “flippant” attitude towards sectarian-fuelled violence surrounding his side's games against Celtic. McCoist refused to speak to the BBC until they apologised.

In the clip McCoist was shown appearing to smile when answering a question about violence at Old Firm matches. This was followed by the reporter saying “Well it might not bother Mr McCoist”

The thing was that the footage showing the Rangers manager smiling was his reaction to a different question.

This wasn’t just a piece of clumsy editing. The voice-over on this portion of the film makes it all too clear that this was a deliberate attempt to mislead the viewers. But to what end?

Last season, when the Celtic manager was receiving death threats, the BBC chose to make a report from outside Ibrox. The obvious conclusion – to make the link between the attacks on Lennon and Rangers FC.

While no one can argue that sectarianism is no more manifest than through the actions of some of those that follow the Old Firm, filming this report outside the Rangers’ ground was a deliberate attempt to make an association that simply did not exist.

This is not the first time that creative editing has been used by the corporation north of the border.

Normally it is reserved for its anti-SNP propaganda. This was seen clearly when Reporting Scotland manipulated footage from the Scottish Parliament last November. In this pathetic little piece it appears as though First Minister, Alex Salmond is apparently mocking a statement by his Finance Minister, John Swinney. In fact he was reacting to a statement by the then leader of the Lib-Dems, Tavish Scott.

The lie can be seen here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn5T3e4Nk2I&feature=player_embedded 

The truth can be seen here.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5nTcGkEEU8&feature=player_embedded

The actively pro-unionist stance taken by the BBC in Scotland is nothing new. Although in recent times it has become so obvious as to suggest that those in news and current affairs have given up any pretence of impartiality. 

It is the BBC's attitude to sectarianism that many might now question. It undoubtedly sees the problem as nothing more than an opportunity for sensationalism. A chance to do what it does best – continually put Scotland down in an attempt to reinforce the greatest lie of all – that Scotland and its people are incapable of self-determination.

While Ally McCoist has had his apology, that is not really good enough for the rest of us. We were told a lie. Not only that, what we got was yet another deliberate manipulation of the media to promote this lie.

It would be nice to see those responsible for this getting their arses kicked onto the dole.

That's not likely to happen though. And it is doubtful that it will deter the liars at BBC Scotland from carrying on with their agenda of treating the people of Scotland with contempt.