Good Morning Britain has been hit with 508 Ofcom complaints after Susanna Reid's comments about Scotland's World Cup bank holiday left viewers furious. The regulator confirmed the complaints related to the episode broadcast on 9 June, specifically regarding remarks made during a discussion about the Scottish World Cup Bank Holiday.
Comments Spark Outrage
During the ITV breakfast programme, co-presenters Ed Balls and Susanna Reid discussed reports that Scotland would be granted a bank holiday for qualifying for the World Cup. Ed Balls remarked: "This morning, in our five o'clock meeting, Susanna said, 'I can't believe this, the game's on the Sunday morning, and they get bank holiday [more than] 24 hours later.'" He added: "I said, 'What?' I couldn't believe it. It never occurred to me that that was going on."
Susanna Reid then addressed viewers, saying: "It's really outrageous. I mean, how long does it take Scots to get over the fact that they've played their first match?" These comments left audiences incensed, with many accusing her of being anti-Scottish.
Viewer Reactions
One viewer fumed: "So many anti-Scottish comments from your presenters and guests this morning. Do you realise your show is shown on Scottish television? Unfortunately." Another criticised: "Extremely anti-Scottish. Not everyone is getting it, and not everyone wants it. I don't even like football, but thought your comments were uncalled for!" Yet another viewer remarked: "Not everyone is getting it. Jumping on the anti-Scotland bandwagon, I see."
ITV Statement
ITV issued a statement following the controversy, saying: "The editorial team feel discussion of the fact that some football fans would be drinking alcohol while watching the match is something that would be referenced in the discussion of any home nation's participation in an international tournament. No sleight was intended toward Scottish fans in particular – it was more a reflection of football watching culture in the UK."
The statement continued: "We're aware this coverage has been distorted on social media by brief edited clips that do not represent the full four-minute discussion. Having reviewed the full segments, our feeling is that the issue of drinking and football would have been raised in a discussion of any home nation having an extra day off work following a game. We do note, however, that such discussions can play into national stereotypes. This was not the intention, and in no way was the focus of the discussion."
ITV also noted that the Good Morning Britain editorial team had acknowledged concerns about Ofcom's rules relating to generally accepted standards, due accuracy and due impartiality, but considered the programme was in line with Ofcom's standards given the light-hearted nature of the discussion.
Apology Issued
Susanna Reid subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging she had left viewers "irate" and faced accusations of "jealousy." After two Scottish broadcasters appeared on the programme and challenged her remarks, the former BBC Breakfast presenter said: "My Scottish ancestors would be turning in their graves, I can only apologise. Let me say, it's outrageous that not everyone in Scotland has got today off as a bank holiday."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
