Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid issued an apology on Monday after she caused outrage with comments about Scotland's World Cup victory.
Apology in Closing Moments
Susanna Reid offered an apology in the closing moments of Good Morning Britain on Monday, 15 June. The host, appearing alongside Ed Balls in the studio, addressed viewers after sparking fury and accusations of "jealousy".
After Scotland secured an additional bank holiday on Monday following their World Cup qualification, Susanna's remarks during last week's ITV breakfast show had prompted significant criticism.
Reaction to Scotland's Victory
Following Scotland's 1-0 victory over Haiti, Susanna acknowledged she had left supporters "irate", before welcoming two guests onto Good Morning Britain. She said: "They're irate with us because we teased Scotland about having a bank holiday today, celebrating their first World Cup victory in 36 years. Huge celebrations this weekend likely to continue. There is that extra bank holiday but of course not everyone in Scotland gets it," reports the Mirror.
Ed added: "And that's a decision that one of our very own presenters might have called out outrageous, but according to one Scottish broadcaster, she is just jealous." He then added: "When I say she is just jealous," while gesturing towards Susanna.
Scottish Broadcasters Respond
The show played social media clips from two Scottish broadcasters expressing frustration at Susanna's remarks, with one, Nicolle Cassels, telling Susanna: "I think you're jealous... You enjoy working Monday Susanna, because I know you're going to be there. I will not be there, because I'll be here on my bank holiday."
Susanna then spoke directly to radio presenter Nicolle on live Good Morning Britain: "I'm so sorry Nicolle, we made you work today!" Nicolle quipped back: "Susanna I knew you were jealous, but I didn't know you were jealous enough to bring me to work with you!"
"I'm so sorry," Susanna replied, before turning her attention to journalist Gordon Smart, who had watched Scotland's match live in the stadium in Boston, alongside the likes of Line of Duty's Martin Compston.
Atmosphere in Scotland
Reflecting on the mood back home in Scotland, Nicolle remarked: "The atmosphere everywhere has been amazing, we've got Scotland flags everywhere, I was at a concert last night, they had the bagpipes out at Murrayfield. We actually all sang the national anthem, I've never sang the national anthem at Murrayfield before, I feel like the whole country is absolutely buzzing, something I've never experienced before and it's brilliant."
Dig at Presenters
As the segment came to a close with the end of the show, Gordon appeared to issue a dig at the presenters on Good Morning Britain. He laughed: "My Good Morning Britain career is kind of like Scotland's career, I turn up every two years, do a good job and then disappear because the manager doesn't like me."
"That feels like a dig!" Susanna laughed back, before addressing Nicolle: "I'm so sorry we've dragged you in." Nicolle added: "Susanna I think you were quite wrong in what you said, I think you should maybe say sorry."
Susanna's Apology
Susanna replied: "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."
Susanna and Ed had earlier been blasted for their comments, with Ed saying on Good Morning Britain last week: "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.' I said, 'What?' I couldn't believe it. It never occurred to me that that was going on."
Responding to viewers' reactions, Susanna said: "It's really outrageous. I mean, how long does it take Scots to get over the fact that they've played their first match?"
Viewer Backlash
One viewer fumed: "So many Anti Scottish comments from your presenters and guests this morning. Disgusting behaviour. You do realise your show is shown on Scottish television? Unfortunately." Another blasted: "Very condescending attitude from all the presenters taking part in that debate! 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 seething viewer said: "Not everyone is getting it. Jumping on the anti scotland bandwagon i see. Pathetic."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
