Sentry

25 November 2011 Dear Mr xxxxxxx Thank you for your recent correspondence and for the petition which you handed in to BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, on Saturday 5 November. I will herein address each of the points you raise, as noted in my email to you of Friday 18 November. Firstly, let me assure you that there is no institutional bias within BBC Scotland for or against Rangers FC or its fans (or, for that matter, for or against any other football club or its fans). Nor is it the case, as you contend, that BBC Scotland "(highlights) Rangers FC and its fans in a negative light at every opportunity" - the BBC Scotland 'Blue Heaven: where are they now?' documentary broadcast in May 2011 (the follow-up to the earlier six-part series on the progress of Rangers' young apprentice footballers) offers but one example contrary to the contention. In all of our reporting we seek to ensure that we maintain the standards expected of us, by providing fair, accurate, informative and impartial journalism. In so doing, however, it is inevitable that the stories we report will not always be in tune with all of the views held by our audiences, varied as those views will be. Nor will it be the case that the perspectives offered and opinions expressed by commentators and programme contributors will meet with universal agreement or approval. However we do, at all times, seek to provide an appropriate platform for a range of views to be aired on issues of topical interest. And in so doing, we strive to ensure that the BBC's quality standards are consistently met. You note in the petition that you wish "to highlight the behaviour of certain employees when referring to Rangers fans in derogatory and offensive terms." I am uncertain exactly to whom you refer, as there is no specific reference to any member of BBC Scotland staff included in the document in question. You also submit that "there are "elements" within BBC Scotland who are acting against the best interests of the BBC code of conduct for reasons best known to themselves." Again, without specific details, it is difficult to address the issue you raise. What I can say, however, is that all employees of BBC must adhere to a code of conduct that accords with our values as a publicly funded broadcaster and we have rules and regulations in place to ensure that any behaviour which runs counter to those rules and regulations is dealt with quickly and effectively. You also note the previous demonstrations held by members of your group at Pacific Quay and questions asked of BBC Scotland management. As noted in my email of 4 November, all complaints previously submitted by you and your group have been answered in detail. As noted then, and again here, where editorial failings are identified or mistakes made we will always try to acknowledge these as quickly as possible. You contend that, in your opinion, "nothing has changed within BBC Scotland since (your) last protest." Please be assured that BBC Scotland is aware of the importance of the issues you raise and the sensitivities which surround those issues. Where there have been errors in editorial judgement we have sought quickly to correct them. Where apologies have been required, we have readily made them. However we do not accept the contention that, underpinning our journalism, is behaviour or values, personal or institutional, that call into question our impartiality as a broadcaster. In your previous correspondence you also made reference to photographs which you contend were taken of your group (at previous demonstrations) from vantage points within the Pacific Quay building and subsequently posted on websites related to Celtic FC. As noted in my email of Friday 4 November and in conversation with you when delivering the petition on Saturday 5 November, if you can supply evidence of this to me I will happily look into the matter. Yours sincerely Ian Small Head of Public Policy & Corporate Affairs

On behalf of VB admin I would like to thank each and everyone of you who attentd or supported the protest. We were humbled by the turnout and behaviour of the troops on the ground and the police had no issues with us. I liased several times with them during the event to ensure we weren't straying into any dodgy terriotry and the only issue they had was---------our swearing in "feck th bbc" and the headhoncho stated he wouldn't be lifting anyone for that. Thanks again

posted this on VB earlier0just back in so should also share here troops James Baillie has just spoken with Helen Street police with updates regards tomorrow protest-very cordial conversation and the police requests are pretty much mirrored in our own guidelines. One thing they did request was that as far as they are concerned at the end of the protest can we make our way to match as normal and NOT HAVE ANY MARCH as such they did say where possible try to stick to pavements and although there may be several hundred walking same way,as the buses tend to park there as well it WILL be treated as a group of fans heading to game. Usual rules no drink etc They did say that we WONT be allowed access inside the BBC but that arrangements will be made for them to come out and take any protest letter. THEY (BBC)WONT BE MAKING ANY COMMENT The police are aware we will have admin and board members marshalling and asked if we would be wearing yellow vests but they were informed no-however the admin would be easily identified as they will be patrolling area etc.This was fine. The police intend to have ample numbers to prevent anyone trying to disrupt matters etc. They plan to speak to Mr Baillie again prior to demo at 12.30 All in it appears they are cool with us as the last two were well organised.

I knew my reply would be put to good use

I am not in the business of creating false letters-this is a reply to me from my questions raised via the write to them website-I also have corrie from him stating that the event in alloa last week was legal

Kenneth.Gi​bson.msp@sc​ottish.parl​iament.uk *

I am far from finished with them yet sing songs in alloa about killing Brits-not arrested sing GSTQ or RB-arrested

superb stuff

good comments folks and all will be co-ordinated into a reply. I have had corrie with him re the alloa event last week and to sum it up singing about killing British citizens(of which he is)is not arrestable singing the National Anthem of our country and his is????

Dear Mr Sentry Roseanna Cunningham is a republican but not in the narrow sense it is often interpreted by some in the west of Scotland. She is republican in the way that American, Austrian, French, Swiss etc people of all political persuasions are. The Sectarian Bill will be even handed. Certain grounds will be targeted as that's where most of the problems lie. The difference between sets of fans is that some sing blatantly anti-Catholic songs, others republican and Irish nationalist. As I understand it - I don't know the words to such songs but have heard enough - the two cannot be equated, although both may be equally offensive to other sets of football fans and the population generally, both are not necessarily equally sectarian. I don't find "Rule Britannia" offensive, although it is jingoistic and a bit anachronistic and old fashioned. It has been more than a century since Britain did rule the waves after all. However, it doesn't bother me. "Flower of Scotland" is a seventies song. It does not offend me in the slightest. I find it quite inspirational - who wouldn't - as it is about fighting to protect ones home and country from an invader. Regarding Scotland's image abroad, many years ago when I first went overseas, I expected people to think of Scotland as the land of the Enlightenment, birth place of the Industrial Revolution, a nation of doctors, explorers, scientists and inventors. Instead I was confronted by the dreary Rangers/Celtic Protestant/Catholic stuff which died out in most of Europe generations ago. It's sad that a nation such as ours should have a reputation for bigotry in the 21st century and so the Parliament - and all parties in it - is keen to change that. Best wishes, Kenneth J Gibson MSP Cunninghame North

there was no sectarian songs at either match

Sticky on Vanguardbears where one of our prominant men is looking for initiatives that RFC have been involved with-can u get them to him if anyone has any links. Thanks in advance Sentry VB admin

whats the point in having a uefa delegate if they dont use them?and what was the report from UNfare at whitehart lane? ps the wife of this chunt is staunch scumtic fan

lets just suppose the SPL was to issue a statement sayig that they are against sectarianism etc etc and will promote anti sectarian issues BUT NO team will be docked points or fined would they still be so keen(rc church and taigs)

cheers here is a thought-in all the songs they moan about-whwre do we actually say "catholic"? Biilyboys=fenian=mixed religous brotherhood against British rule-so are the RC church backing the fenian brotherhood?and if so why dont we remove their churches from our country? you wouldn't allow a terrorist cell would you?-ok my point is a bit extrme but you get the gist

I think once they get involved it shifts the focus onto to their hypocrysy and away from the issue they want to raise

he has a point but the COS are dead IMO-they dont want to rock the rc boat and appease them at every turn-I read somewhere last week that a radio debate had a COS minister on to defend single faith schools FFS The one good thing about this clown opening his gob again is that it stimulates debate and recently all that debate or at least a high percentage tends to go down the schools path.(based on recent roadshows and radio shows I have heard or read about) Is there a link to the record ?

the filth lose a wee bit of credibilty when the rc church get involved IMO because Joe Soap tends to look at it and go "they are in no position to lecture" (re child abuse) We should real;y turn the tables and ask the rc church to help fid solutions for a society problem and beigin with the schools-watch them pipe down then

knife crime,rapes,drugs,murders,muggings and poverty are all major social issues that the rc church could be looking at getting involved in-not to mention their own problems that they tend to move around from parish to parish to avoid detection but they lose a cup final and only want to concern themselves about songs.

Mcgregor at Aberdeen?

then, why if the lurgan bigot was reported by plod ,has he not been reprimanded? has murray as leggo says ignored them? and if so why are the press not pushing it?

as has been pointed out and explained by the posters -he writes match reports FFS are you thick really or a sad bastard with no life? thanks for address

I despair sometimes bud I really do

why dont you pm me it then?

shitbag dont make statements when you dont know posters for the record your arguement was still on-going-so I was keeping up -boy