Celtic complain to TV regulator over Morelos interview on Sky

Celtic have complained to broadcasting regulator Ofcom about a Sky Sports interview with Alfredo Morelos which contained translation inaccuracies.

Sky previously conceded there had been errors in the subtitled translation, which suggested the Rangers striker said he had been racially abused by Celtic supporters.

However, Celtic have now branded the apology “inadequate”, adding: “It does not identify the source of the translation or why phrases, which bore no relationship to the words used by Mr Morelos, were introduced into it.

“In view of the substantial issues of public interest involved, Celtic have lodged a complaint with the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom, who can seek the necessary answers and adjudicate accordingly.”

Celtic have also published their full letter to Ofcom, signed by club chief executive Peter Lawwell.

The letter asks:

Who was responsible for the inaccurate translation?
What steps were taken by Sky Television to ascertain the accuracy, or otherwise, of the translation provided?
What part did Sky Television play in briefing the story, based on the inaccurate translation, to the wider media?

Celtic said they believe the matter is “of substantial public interest” and listed three reasons for that position:

Issues of racism and sectarianism are far too important to be manipulated in this way by any broadcaster or third party.
The use of mis-translation to convey false meaning is a dangerous form of “fake news” which must be condemned and sanctioned.
Mr Morelos has been seriously misrepresented and is deserving of apology and explanation.

Sky’s previous statement read: “We apologise to both Celtic and Rangers football clubs as well as Alfredo Morelos for the issues caused by these errors.

“After numerous steps undertaken by Sky to verify the interview thoroughly we can be clear that at no point did Morelos allege that any racial abuse was directed at him by Celtic supporters in the interview.

“We apologise to the supporters of Celtic Football Club for this serious error.”