Manchester City have launched an unprecedented complain with the BBC following on from another dismal defeat.
City’s struggles continued on Sunday after they suffered a dramatic late loss to rivals United, who came from behind to claim a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League champions have now won just once in their last 11 games but the top brass were unhappy with the BBC for a lack of coverage going into the game.
According to a report from Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, City were stunned by the BBC’s failure to send a reporter from local station Radio Manchester to attend Pep Guardiola‘s pre-match press conference.
Officials believe it is the first time it has happened for a derby in living memory and it comes as a shock given the station have the rights to City’s games on the radio.
Typically a permanent City journalist would attend the presser but the report notes that the individual has been busy with other work in recent times, meaning other employees have had to step in.
City viewed not sending a reporter to the media conference as a “final straw” and it’s claimed they have been in touch to express their unhappiness over the matter.
Damningly, City feel as though they are the only Premier League team to have been on the receiving end of the treatment – even with there not being a rights deal in place with neighbours United.
Manchester City were reportedly not happy with the lack of presence from a local station. Image: Getty
As is normal practice, a City and United commentator were both in attendance to give different perspectives for Sunday’s 16:30 kick-off, where Amad Diallo scored the winner.
The BBC declined to comment but said the broadcasters are adamant they have been providing the same level of coverage “as usual” and continue to have commentary rights for matches.
They also said no official complaint has been issued, though the Daily Mail report states that there has been.
SPORTbible has approached the BBC and Manchester City for comment.
City return to action on Saturday, looking to end their wretched run of form with a lunchtime clash with Aston Villa in the west Midlands.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola