Rachel_Sandford
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Manchester United's manager, Sir Alex Ferguson has been known for his temper, especially with the media. He has imposed bans on media each time they upset him. In 2003, he banned Sky Sports for some weeks because a reporter doorstepped him. Earlier this year, he was caught on microphone banning a reporter who asked about Ryan Giggs. Perhaps his most famous ban, however, was when he banned the BBC in 2004.
What was initially announced as a “lifetime ban” unless the BBC apologised to him, Ferguson hasn't spoken to the BBC in seven years. Premier League rules state that clubs need to make their players and coaching staff available for domestic rights holders, BSkyB and BBC. However, Ferguson has refused to talk to anyone from the BBC, sending Assistant Manager, Mike Phelan instead. It is said that Ferguson was fined £1,000 for each time he chose not to speak to the Beeb.
“I think the BBC is the kind of company that never apologise and never will apologise,” said Ferguson in 2007. “They are arrogant beyond belief.”
The apology he required was for the BBC documentary titled Fergie and Son. It aired on digital channel BBC3 and was repeated on BBC1. In the documentary, allegations were made against Ferguson's son, Jason, who was an agent at the time.
BBC has consistently said that they won't apologise for the documentary, so it came as quite a surprise when the joint announcement was made. The statement said: “Sir Alex Ferguson and the BBC have decided to put behind them the difficulties which led to Sir Alex feeling unable to appear on BBC programmes. This follows a meeting between Sir Alex, and the BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, and BBC North director Peter Salmon, and the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. Sir Alex will now make himself available to the BBC for Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live and other outlets as agreed. No further comment will be made by either party on this issue.”
According to sources, the meeting was brokered by Sir Dave Richards, Premier League chairman. Sources also revealed that neither party apologised. They simply agreed to put aside their differences and move on.
Manchester United's next Premier League game is against Arsenal on Sunday. It will be at Old Trafford and featured in BBC2's Match of the Day 2. Audiences, especially those who have never heard Ferguson speak, are sure to tune in to hear when he finally speaks to the BBC.
What was initially announced as a “lifetime ban” unless the BBC apologised to him, Ferguson hasn't spoken to the BBC in seven years. Premier League rules state that clubs need to make their players and coaching staff available for domestic rights holders, BSkyB and BBC. However, Ferguson has refused to talk to anyone from the BBC, sending Assistant Manager, Mike Phelan instead. It is said that Ferguson was fined £1,000 for each time he chose not to speak to the Beeb.
“I think the BBC is the kind of company that never apologise and never will apologise,” said Ferguson in 2007. “They are arrogant beyond belief.”
The apology he required was for the BBC documentary titled Fergie and Son. It aired on digital channel BBC3 and was repeated on BBC1. In the documentary, allegations were made against Ferguson's son, Jason, who was an agent at the time.
BBC has consistently said that they won't apologise for the documentary, so it came as quite a surprise when the joint announcement was made. The statement said: “Sir Alex Ferguson and the BBC have decided to put behind them the difficulties which led to Sir Alex feeling unable to appear on BBC programmes. This follows a meeting between Sir Alex, and the BBC's director general, Mark Thompson, and BBC North director Peter Salmon, and the issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. Sir Alex will now make himself available to the BBC for Match of the Day, Radio 5 Live and other outlets as agreed. No further comment will be made by either party on this issue.”
According to sources, the meeting was brokered by Sir Dave Richards, Premier League chairman. Sources also revealed that neither party apologised. They simply agreed to put aside their differences and move on.
Manchester United's next Premier League game is against Arsenal on Sunday. It will be at Old Trafford and featured in BBC2's Match of the Day 2. Audiences, especially those who have never heard Ferguson speak, are sure to tune in to hear when he finally speaks to the BBC.
