Sky Sports has been cleared by OFCOM after a slew of complaints regarding sectarian singing by Rangers fans during the Ross County vs Rangers match. The regulator received a total of four complaints about the incident, but ultimately decided not to take any further action against the TV channel.
The match, which took place at the Global Energy Stadium, was broadcast live on Sky Sports, and the sectarian singing was audible to viewers at home. The incident sparked outrage among some fans and prompted a number of complaints to OFCOM.
However, after investigating the matter, OFCOM determined that Sky Sports had not breached any of its broadcasting rules. The regulator found that the TV channel had taken steps to minimize the impact of the sectarian singing, and that the incident was not severe enough to warrant further action.
The decision has been met with a mixed reaction from fans, with some expressing disappointment that Sky Sports was not held to account for its handling of the incident. Others have argued that the TV channel did everything it could to address the situation, and that the blame lies with the fans who engaged in the sectarian singing.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of sectarianism in Scottish football, and the challenges that TV channels face in broadcasting live matches without perpetuating or promoting such behavior. It also raises questions about the role of regulators like OFCOM in policing the content of live sports broadcasts, and the balance that must be struck between free speech and the need to protect viewers from offensive or harmful material.
In a statement, Sky Sports said that it took the incident seriously and had worked to minimize the impact of the sectarian singing on its broadcast. The TV channel also emphasized its commitment to promoting respect and inclusivity in football, and its determination to work with clubs, players, and fans to address the issue of sectarianism in the sport.
OFCOM also released a statement, saying that it understood the concerns of those who had complained about the incident, but that it had to balance these concerns against the need to protect freedom of expression and the right to broadcast live sports events. The regulator emphasized that it would continue to monitor the situation and take action if necessary to ensure that TV channels were meeting their obligations to viewers.
The incident is a reminder that sectarianism remains a serious issue in Scottish football, and that more needs to be done to address it. While the decision by OFCOM not to take action against Sky Sports may be seen as a disappointment by some, it also highlights the complexities of the issue and the need for a nuanced and multifaceted approach to tackling sectarianism in the sport.