Complaint
A viewer complained about the accuracy of several aspects of this programme, which looked at the influence of Scotland on the development of football, including the claim that Scotland “created the modern gameâ€. The ECU considered whether it met the relevant standards set out in the Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
The ECU noted this was a programme which made the case for Scotland’s role in developing the modern version of football and did so in a way which reflected the long-standing rivalry between Scotland and England. As with all branches of history, a degree of subjectivity is involved in any assessment of how and where the game developed. However a number of reputable football historians set out the evidence which they believed supported the view Scotland played a significant role in influencing the modern game (as distinct from historic versions). This included the foundation of the first club, the development of tactics and a certain style of play, the construction of grounds, and the role of Scottish players in spreading the sport around the world. Taken together, these were sufficient to support Dougray Scott’s assessment of “the foundational role Scotland played in creating the modern gameâ€.
Not Upheld