A SCOTTISH MP is demanding that powers over the BBC are devolved to stop viewers north of the Border being bombarded with replays of Paul Gascoigne’s Euro ‘96 goal.
Kenny MacAskill has called for a new Scottish arm of the organisation to be set up amid complaints about biased coverage of Euro 2020.
Viewers complained in their droves ahead of the Scotland’s clash with England at Wembley on Friday after BBC presenters and pundits made repeated references to Gazza’s famous strike the last time the sides met at a major tournament.
The Alba MP, who defected from the SNP ahead of May’s Holyrood election, told the Sun: “Scots are sick of the constant mentions.”
He argued that devolving more broadcasting powers to Holyrood would lead to a more balanced output, with MSPs given a greater say in how publicly-funded BBC Scotland is run.
“Scots are scunnered with Euro commentators’ endless mentioning of the glories of ’66 and Gazza’s goal,” MacAskill said.
READ MORE: BBC panned for playing same Paul Gascoigne England vs Scotland goal on a loop
"The need to see the world through a Scottish lens is clear. It’s time the Scottish Government spoke out rather than standing on the sidelines.”
The East Lothian MP pointed to Irish broadcasters as an example to follow.
He continued: “RTE covers every game with an Irish commentator. It would be something like that.
“We wouldn’t have to have all Scottish pundits but it would mean that Scots don’t have to listen to commentators making constant reference to things like Gazza’s goal.
“BBC Scotland should opt-out and cover all games separately. They could have a Scottish commentary with a panel in Glasgow. It can be international, with non Scots.”
MacAskill added that devolving broadcasting powers to Edinburgh would have economic and cultural benefits also.
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