The TUV’s deputy leader has criticised BBC Northern Ireland after one of its sports reporters appeared in a news item with Armagh and Galway GAA colours painted on his cheeks.
Belfast councillor Ron McDowell claimed the GAA had caused division and “repeatedly caused offence to innocent victims”.
But BBC NI has rejected the criticism, saying it doesn’t think the reporter’s decision to have the colours both GAA teams on his face involved any breach of its impartiality.
The item on Wednesday night’s Newsline was broadcast live from Lurgan’s Davitt Park, where presenter Mark Sidebottom was reporting on the build-up to Sunday’s All-Ireland Final.
It featured interviews with Armagh GAA honorary president Jimmy Smith and the county’s ladies’ football captain Chloe McCambridge, whose brother Barry is on the panel for Sunday’s game against Galway.
Mr Sidebotton sported the Orchardmen’s orange and white colours on his right cheek and the Tribesmen’s maroon and white on his left cheek.
Mr McDowell, who seemingly overlooked the Galway colours on the reporter’s face, said it was “inconceivable that a BBC reporter would have appeared on air with their face painted orange while reporting on the Twelfth celebrations”.
“Last night’s report was a clear breach of impartiality,” he said.
“However, there are many licence fee payers, including in Co Armagh, who want nothing to do with the GAA or the match on Sunday and for good reason – it’s high time our public service broadcaster realised that.”
A statement from the BBC spokesperson said the live report reflected “local interest in/excitement about Armagh’s involvement in the upcoming GAA All-Ireland Final”.
The broadcaster said the reporter’s painted face was “playfully intended in a report that was light-hearted in its content, tone and approach”.
“We know that gaelic games are popular with, and important to, many BBC audiences – something that we seek to reflect within our output and as part of our reporting about all aspects of community and cultural life.”
