Complaint
A reader complained about unreliable information provided on the BBC Sport website, particularly in relation to data on past Manchester City games. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the BBC’s editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
It had become apparent to BBC Sport that the information available via “Previous meetings”, which was provided by an outside supplier, was systematically unreliable, and the ECU agreed it fell short of the standard of accuracy applicable in this context. BBC Sport had removed the data in question before the complaint reached the ECU, but had not acknowledged the issue on the public record, as is generally expected in such cases. The ECU therefore could not consider the issue of complaint to have been fully resolved.
Upheld
Further action
The finding was reported to the management of BBC Sport and discussed with the editorial team concerned. The article was revised to reflect the finding.