Good Morning Britain has faced hundreds of Ofcom complaints following remarks made by Susanna Reid which sparked fury amongst viewers. The programme received 508 complaints regarding the episode broadcast on 9 June, according to the regulator.
In a statement provided to The Daily Record, Ofcom confirmed the 'complaints related to comments made during a discussion about the Scottish World Cup Bank Holiday'. That particular edition of Good Morning Britain saw Ed Balls and co-presenter Susanna discuss reports that Scotland would be granted a Bank Holiday for qualifying for the World Cup.
Ed remarked on the ITV daytime show: '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."' Addressing audience feedback, Susanna stated: 'It's really outrageous. I mean, how long does it take Scots to get over the fact that they've played their first match?'
Viewers were left incensed after listening, with Susanna subsequently offering an apology. One had seethed: 'So many anti-Scottish comments from your presenters and guests this morning. Do you realise your show is shown on Scottish television? Unfortunately.' Another blasted: '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.'
ITV also released a statement following the backlash, which read, as per The National Scot: '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.'
It went on: '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.'
The publication noted that ITV also said that the Good Morning Britain editorial team had taken on board 'concerns about Ofcom's rules relating to generally accepted standards, due accuracy and due impartiality, but taking into account the light-hearted nature of the news review discussion and the discussion that followed later in the programme, consider that the programme was in line with Ofcom's standards'.
Susanna later issued an apology, admitting she had left fans 'irate' and being accused of 'jealousy'. After welcoming two Scottish broadcasters on the programme earlier this week, who questioned Susanna on her comments, the former BBC Breakfast star 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.
