BBC Starts New Scottish Championship Side Rangers Boycott After Reporter Ban

The BBC has once again decided to boycott Scottish Championship side Rangers after "the club reimposed a ban on sports reporter Chris McLaughlin," according to David Gunn of the SCOTSMAN. A previous boycott was dropped last August after discussions between the two parties saw McLaughlin allowed to enter Ibrox Stadium "once again." Relations "remained amicable until last weekend when the BBC reporter was once again informed he wouldn't be allowed to enter the ground." The BBC insists that it has "been left with no choice but to start a new boycott" as it will stand by its employee. BBC Scotland said, "We are disappointed that Rangers took the decision to ban our reporter Chris McLaughlin from Ibrox. We believed it is unjustifiable and we stand by the integrity and the quality of our journalism." The club has responded by insisting the move was made to ensure "fairness" from the broadcaster (SCOTSMAN, 1/21).