Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid has been cleared by the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, following over 500 complaints about her comments regarding a bank holiday granted to Scotland for the World Cup. The regulator determined that Reid's remarks, made on June 9, did not violate broadcasting standards.
During an episode of the ITV morning show, Reid and co-presenter Ed Balls discussed Scotland being given an extra day off on June 15, following the national team's first World Cup match in 28 years. Scotland secured a 1-0 victory over Haiti on June 14. Reid described the bank holiday as "outrageous," questioning how long it takes for Scots to celebrate their team's first match appearance. Her comments subsequently went viral on social media, drawing criticism from some Scottish football fans.
Ofcom reviewed the footage and concluded that the exchange was "light-hearted" and fell within the bounds of "freedom of expression." The regulator stated that the comments did not raise issues substantial enough to warrant a formal investigation under the Broadcasting Code.
In response to the backlash, Reid issued an on-air apology on June 15, the day of the bank holiday. "My Scottish ancestors would be turning in their graves, I can only apologise," she stated. She then added, "Let me say, it's outrageous that not everyone in Scotland has got today off as a bank holiday."
ITV defended the segment, with its editorial team suggesting that discussions about football-watching culture, including alcohol consumption, are common when any home nation participates in an international tournament. They emphasized that no specific slight was intended toward Scottish fans.
The bank holiday itself was proposed by First Minister John Swinney and approved by King Charles.