Sky Sports has been cleared by UK media regulator Ofcom following complaints about sectarian chanting from Rangers supporters during a live broadcast. The incident occurred during Rangers’ league match against Ross County at Dingwall in December. Ofcom received four complaints regarding offensive chants heard during the broadcast but ultimately decided the matter did not warrant an official investigation under the Broadcasting Code.
In its review, Ofcom found that the chants’ exact wording was not distinctly audible to viewers, particularly given the context of a live sporting event. As a result, the regulator concluded there was insufficient grounds to pursue the complaints further. This decision effectively ends any formal action against Sky Sports over the issue.
The incident sparked criticism on social media, with some viewers expressing frustration over the perceived lack of acknowledgment or apology from the broadcaster. One social media user noted the contrast between the lack of response to sectarian chants and the immediate apologies typically issued for player swearing. Another user criticized the authorities for not addressing the issue more rigorously, suggesting that inaction allows such behavior to persist.
Ofcom addressed these concerns, stating that after a careful assessment, the complaints did not raise significant issues requiring further action. This marks another instance where Sky Sports has been cleared of similar accusations; a 2022 case also saw Ofcom decline to investigate sectarian chants, this time targeting pundit Kris Boyd during a broadcast of a Celtic match.
In the 2022 incident, sectarian chants directed at Boyd were audibly captured during live coverage of a match between Celtic and Dundee United. Sky Sports responded by apologizing during its pre-match coverage, acknowledging the offensive behavior that occurred while Boyd was on air alongside fellow former players Shaun Maloney and John Rankin. These cases highlight the challenges broadcasters face in managing live coverage of potentially sensitive incidents.
