Rangers end BBC dispute as broadcaster set for Ibrox return after 'genuine' concerns addressed

BBC Scotland have confirmed their long-standing dispute with Rangers is over ahead of the new Premiership season.

The dispute started when BBC refused to send staff to Ibrox after a team member had their credentials withdrawn by Rangers. Since then, nobody from the public broadcasting service has covered Rangers from within Ibrox and coverage of home matches in Govan has been done remotely. Coverage from inside the ground will now recommence ahead of the league season starting on July 30th.

A statement from BBC Scotland reads: "A disagreement between BBC Scotland and Rangers FC has limited the BBC's ability to report from Ibrox Stadium over a long period of time. The BBC and Rangers FC have now agreed that it is in the best interests of the BBC's audiences and Rangers supporters everywhere for the BBC and the club to resolve the dispute and to provide the fullest possible coverage of all Rangers' matches.

"The BBC is committed to reporting the Scottish Premiership fully and fairly across all clubs. However, it recognises that the club has genuine concerns about the accuracy and balance of some coverage.

"The BBC acknowledges that there have been occasions when parts of the coverage of Rangers FC have not met its editorial standards.

"It has apologised for those instances and is happy to repeat those apologies now. We now look forward to a positive ongoing relationship with the club."

A Rangers statement reads: "We acknowledge the recognition of past errors and the apology from BBC Scotland and the recent apology from Michael Stewart. Reporting of football matches at Ibrox will recommence at the beginning of season 2022/23."