STV has been criticised for their lack of “bespoke” coverage of the Scotland national team at the Euros and prioritising its bottom line over fans' entertainment.
The public broadcaster chose to use its parent link network ITV to cover Scotland’s first match, which was also the tournament’s opening game, against Germany.
The decision left the pre-match build-up with a distinct lack of “Scottish flavour” as ITV favoured covering England who wasn’t due to play until the next day.
The broadcaster also chose to show an interview with Gareth Southgate with the Scotland team due to kick off less than an hour later.
Football fans were quick to notice the insufficient coverage of the Scotland team on ITV and took to social media to vent their frustration.
Owen Thompson (below), former MP and SNP Candidate for Midlothian, pointed out that Scotland must be one of the few countries in the world where their coverage is presented from the opposition in the same tournament.
He also said the fans who have made the trip to Germany are having a great time and the people at home in Scotland should have a similar experience but have been let down because of STV.
The SNP man stated the lack of specific coverage for the Scotland team is just another example of why broadcasting powers need to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
He said: “It's particularly frustrating that there's such a lack of bespoke Scottish coverage of the Euros.
“I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering why I tune in for Scotland games to be met with the latest updates from Gareth Southgate.
“There can't possibly be any other Countries playing in the tournament where the coverage of the National team is presented from an opponent Nation.
“This is just another example of why we need broadcasting powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament so that output can meet the needs and interests of a Scottish audience.
“Our fans in Germany are clearly having an amazing experience, why shouldn't those of us at home be able to enjoy our national team in a similar way.
Gavin Newlands (below), former MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire, critised STV for favouring its bottom line over presenting the coverage Scotland fans desreve.
He has also called for all the national team games to be free to air to help provide the service football fans across the country deserve.
He said: “Compared to their English and Welsh counterparts, Scotland fans have long been short-changed by our public service broadcasters.
“It's well past time that all national team games should be free-to-air, but that campaign is significantly undermined by STV taking the cheap option and taking the network feed.
“The coverage would be so much better with a distinctly Scottish flavour, we wouldn't have to contend with the regular updates from the England camp during the Scotland coverage.
“It's also taking opportunity cities away from Scottish based presenters, crew and commentators.
“It's just not good enough, STV leadership needs to remember it's lucky to have access to these games and occasionally prioritise distinctly Scottish coverage rather than the bottom line and their shareholders.”
