Ally McCoist bans BBC over news report

Ally McCoist has reportedly banned the BBC from interviews and press conferences after accusing the corporation of editing footage to suggest he was making light of football violence.

The Glasgow Rangers manager took umbrage at a report on The BBC News at Ten last Friday, in which cameras appeared to show him smirking in between answering questions about trouble at Old Firm matches.

McCoist, formerly a team captain on the BBC's A Question of Sport, has decided to ban BBC reporters from all media engagements until he receives an on-air apology, according to the Daily Record.

On Saturday, BBC journalist Chris McLaughlin was removed from a post-match press conference at Ibrox following Rangers' 1-1 draw with Hearts on the opening day of the new football season.

McCoist claims that the pre-recorded footage of him smiling was in response to a previous question about football and not about the violence.

A source said: "McCoist was livid when he saw the item on Friday night. He reckons he's been stitched up by someone editing the programme and made to look like he thought the question was a joke.

"Rangers decided to withdraw co-operation with the BBC until they clarify that he wasn't smirking while being asked about such a serious issue."

John Robertson MP, chair of the Westminster Rangers Supporters Club, has also accused the BBC of stirring up trouble with the report.

"Obviously Rangers feel the manager has been hard done by and have decided to take this action," said Robertson.

"I'm sure they'll sit down and sort this problem out. But I will say that I think the BBC have created this problem. At a time when Rangers and Celtic are working to bring people closer together, the BBC have decided to inflame the situation."

A BBC spokesman said: "We're aware that Rangers have expressed concern about a news item."

McCoist follows fellow Scot Sir Alex Ferguson in imposing a boycott on speaking to the BBC following an unfavourable report by the corporation.

The Manchester United manager faced escalating fines from the Premier League last season for his refusal to speak with the BBC's reporters over a "hatchet job" Panorama documentary in 2004 on his son Jason's dealings as a football agent.

In March, it was reported that Sir Alex is expected to meet with BBC director general Mark Thompson this summer in a bid to end his long-running dispute with the corporation.