BBC rules Pat Nevin’s punch claim during Celtic pitch invasion ‘fell below editorial standards’
The BBC has ruled that commentator Pat Nevin breached editorial standards by incorrectly claiming Celtic fans punched a Hearts player during a pitch invasion. Nevin has apologized for the error, which occurred during a chaotic live broadcast.
Why it matters
It underscores the importance of journalistic accuracy and verification in live sports broadcasting.
Pat Nevin's comments during a pitch invasion in Celtic's 3-1 victory against Hearts on the final day of the William Hill Scottish Premiership season "fell below editorial standards of accuracy", the BBC has concluded.
Nevin had already apologised after claiming "two or three" Celtic supporters had punched Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland during live co-commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live.
The former Scotland winger was detailing chaotic scenes at Celtic Park as home fans flooded the pitch to celebrate Callum Osmand 's decisive goal, which helped the Hoops secure the title.
His remarks prompted complaints from listeners and, following a BBC inquiry, were determined to be incorrect. He apologised for his mistake last month in his BBC newsletter.
The broadcaster stated two listeners complained, leading the Executive Complaints Unit to have "considered the complaint in the light of the BBC's editorial standards of accuracy".
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