THE BBC has come under fire for commentary that suggested that Scots swimming hero Duncan Scott stole the 200 metres freestyle gold medal at the European Championships in Glasgow.
Tricia Marwick, former presiding officer of Scottish Parliament led a chorus of online boos for the description of the 21-year-old's stunning victory, calling it "appalling".
Ms Marwick, who became the first female Scot to hold the presiding officer post said: "BBC commentators, Duncan Scott did not 'steal' the European gold. He won it and won it well. Congrats on winning it in front of your home crowd."
The Scot had snuck into the final in unfavourable lane eight but powered through the field to take a surprise gold ahead of Lithuania’s Danas Rapsys.
He finished with a time a time of 1:45.34, over half a second ahead of his nearest rival.
Glasgow-born Scott, romped to victory overcoming his British compatriot James Guy from England who finished fourth. It came after he was forced to settle for silver in his favoured 100m on Sunday.
In the commentary, Andy Jameson described the closing stages of the exciting race saying: "Duncan Scott, can he nick it from Lane 8.
"Duncan Scott is going to be the European champion. Oh my goodness me, Duncan Scott has stolen the gold."
BBC online also used the word "steals" to the annoyance of some.
Drew Peacock supported the former MSP's criticism adding: "I complained earlier about this very point.
"Absolutely disgraceful piece of commentary about which they should be ashamed.
"However it is the BBC after all. Many congratulations Duncan on an impressive and very well deserved victory."
Scott said: "I just had to go out there with no expectations and swim my own race out there in lane eight.
"I didn't really know what was going on with the rest of the field so it was quite tough in that sense. I had a lot of things to correct between the semis and the final and I'm glad I managed to do it."
Scott's win also marked his second gold medal of the Games after his part in the 200m freestyle relay win on Sunday - but he shrugged off suggestions that his performances this week have marked him out as a Tokyo star in the making.
Judge for yourself. How the commentator described the closing stages of Duncan Scott's race. Source: BBC
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