BT Sport have managed to anger a significant number of Scottish football fans with their advertisement for live coverage of the Betfred Cup semi-finals taking place this weekend.
Hibernian face Celtic on Saturday while Rangers host Motherwell on the Sunday, and with both games live on TV the channel put out advertisements around the Champions League coverage on Wednesday night as Celtic took on Bayern Munich.
As you will see from the tweet below, whoever designed the graphic for the advert was told to make Celtic and Rangers the selling point, despite the fact that neither side has yet reached the final.
Everything that is wrong with Scottish Football in one @btsportfootball advert. I wonder what final the TV bosses want? #Disgrace #GGTTH pic.twitter.com/iEMiqQsF8Y
— Pete Dobosz (@PeteDobosz) October 18, 2017
Many are upset that BT Sport appear to clearly want an 'Old Firm' final, but of course they do. It is no secret that Celtic and Rangers will draw in much more significant numbers across the UK and Ireland, however, it is seriously poor form to shove the other semi-finalists into the corners. BT Sport's desire for a Celtic vs Rangers final is fair, being so brazen about it is not.
Hibernian took it in good humour and offered a response on Twitter.
| It's another trip to Hampden for Hibernian on Saturday - the best way to see it is by buying a ticket!
https://t.co/kWVpm4azz2 pic.twitter.com/kwFeLU977R— Hibernian FC (@HibsOfficial) October 19, 2017
And it's not just Hibernian and Motherwell fans that have a problem with it, as the twitter account @OldFirmFacts pointed out that many Celtic fans are also unimpressed with the wording used.
Scottish football fans up in arms as BT Sport ad features Celtic and Rangers in bold type.
“It should be Celtic and Sevco” pic.twitter.com/qFbCkeEmkP— Oldfirmfacts (@Oldfirmfacts1) October 19, 2017
There are lot of folks genuinely upset, and it's understandable. If you looked at that advert without paying attention to most of it (like how 99% of ads are seen) you would immediately think that Celtic are playing Rangers, and Hibs and Motherwell are the opening acts to warm up the crowd.
BT Sport have taken a lot of stick on social media, many from viewers who usually appreciate their coverage of Scottish football.
[BT Sport headquarters.]
'CELTIC & RANGERS. Now that we've got your attention, watch the semi finals.' pic.twitter.com/TwZAORMfnb— Simpsons SPFL (@SimpsonsSPFL) October 19, 2017
Shameful, BT Sport. This shows you know nothing about Scottish football and don't deserve to cover it.
— Josef (@josefrybna) October 19, 2017
@btsportfootball @mstewart_23 @chris_sutton73 normally I like BT coverage of Scottish football. But that advert is a disgrace. Do you think Bt sport might want an old firm cup final? #impartial #oldfirmbias pic.twitter.com/TgClbCtz4x
— Craig Patullo (@CraigArab83) October 19, 2017
As a Celtic fan that is fucking embarrassing. Surprised at BT tbf.
— Anthony Kennedy (@Ants_K) October 18, 2017
After the initial response it would be a surprise if that advert were to air again, and you can imagine a lot of Hibernian and/or Motherwell fans are going to batter the BT Sport twitter account if their club reaches the final.
