Scottish fans complain that BBC’s Euro 2020 coverage is too biased towards Gareth Southgate’s team

Scottish fans have complained that the BBC‘s Euro 2020 coverage is too biased towards Gareth Southgate‘s team after an MP moaned about its pro-English slant. 

The corporation said it has been contacted by a number of viewers who were unhappy about comments favouring the England team during matches from commentators and presenters.

Gary Lineker has fronted coverage of the games alongside former England players Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand.

But the BBC said broadcasts had also featured pundits from other home nations including ex-Scotland player James McFadden and former women’s team manager Shelley Kerr. 

Last month Alba Party MP Kenny MacAskill called for the Scottish Parliament to be given more power over the running of the BBC and referred to pro-English bias in its football coverage – a claim which the corporation rejects.

Mr MaxAskill said: ‘Scots are scunnered with Euro commentators’ endless mentioning of the glories of ’66 and Gazza’s goal. 

‘The need to see the world through a Scottish lens is clear.’ 

In a statement, the BBC said: ‘We’ve received some complaints about our Euro 2020 coverage, from people who think our commentators or presenters are biased in favour of England.

‘This year, our Euro team features a line-up of England, Scotland, and Wales experts, including Alan Shearer, Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards, Alex Scott, Jermaine Jenas, Mark Hughes, Ashley Williams, Robbie Savage, James McFadden and Shelley Kerr.

‘Dedicated team coverage will also be provided by home nations experts; Kelly Somers for England, Eilidh Barbour for Scotland, and Carl Roberts for Wales. We also feature international representation through Jurgen Klinsmann, Cesc Fabregas, Petr Cech and Eric Abidal.

‘We are proud of the expertise and experience that our team are bringing to football fans across the UK, and don’t agree that our line-up shows any bias towards any one team.’

The BBC also said it had received some complaints about its choice of commentators, presenters and pundits for the tournament.

It added: ‘Our football coverage is watched by a very diverse audience, each with differing views and opinions, and for that reason we aim to reflect those across our programmes.

‘We believe we’ve put together a very strong line-up of presenters, pundits, and commentators including ex-professional players/managers and football experts.

‘We appreciate that not everyone will enjoy every one of our presenters, pundits, or commentators, but we are proud of the range of talent and expertise our Euros 2020 team bring to our coverage.’