The BBC have hit back at claims their coverage of the Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Hearts was biased.
The Jambos were left heartbroken on Sunday as Celtic won the showpiece event in dramatic style, winning 4-3 on penalties. It came after a pulsating 120 minutes of football.
A disappointing day for the Jambos at Hampden as the Scottish Cup trophy got away from them. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic were up 2-0 inside the first 30 minutes through Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard as the gap between Premiership and Championship looked apparent. That would vanish in the second 45.
Hearts came out and took the game to extra-time, Liam Boyce and Stephen Kinglsey converting for the Jambos. Leigh Griffiths scored a third for Celtic in the final before Josh Ginnelly leveled again.
Penalties would come and with it maroon dejection, Conor Hazard making two saves as Celtic won the shootout. While proud of their team, Hearts fans weren’t so happy with BBC coverage.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 20: Hearts’ Steven Naismith (left) tussles with Celtic’s Scott Brown during the William Hill Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Hearts at Hampden Park, on December 20, 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
They accused the broadcaster of leaning towards Celtic in the final, taking to social media to say coverage was mainly focused on the holders. The BBC have dismissed such claims.
“Our extensive live coverage of this exciting final was fair to both sides,” a spokesperson said.
Robbie Neilson’s side return to Championship action at Tynecastle on Saturday when they face Ayr United, the Jambos looking to keep up their Premiership promotion tilt.
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