BBC to complain to Premier League over Manchester United media blackout - report

The BBC are expected to discuss Manchester United's refusal to speak to any broadcasters or press after their defeat against Liverpool with Premier League bosses, according to The Guardian. Host broadcaster Sky Sports, radio broadcaster TalkSport and the BBC were all snubbed by United who released a statement before the game explaining that they would not be giving any interviews after the match.

However it is unlikely that the other broadcasters will complain to the Premier League so the BBC may not lodge an official complaint and ruin what relationship they have remaining with United.

United’s refusal to talk to any media, including their own TV channel MUTV, goes against rules brought in by the Premier League at the start of this season to ensure a spokesperson is always made available to the press after matches.

And the governing body are expected to try and tighten those rules further at the end of this season by imposing a fine for clubs who don’t obey the rules, although it will need to be agreed by all the clubs which may be unlikely.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to speak to the BBC since 2004 but a spokesperson, usually assistant manager Mike Phelan, and players are always put forward to speak in front of the cameras.