BBC amends article on Welsh Cup record claim following Grassroots North Wales complaint

The BBC have corrected a story relating to their claim that The New Saints’ 16-0 Welsh Cup win over Llangollen Town this season is a joint record.

Grassroots North Wales complained to the public service broadcaster following a report published on the BBC Wales Sport website on October 18 that TNS’ victory over the tier 3 club was a joint all-time highest since the national knockout began in 1877-78.

GNW pointed out that the record win in Welsh Cup history is Shrewsbury Town’s 21-0 beating of Mold Alyn Stars in 1894-95.

Furthermore, we listed three bigger wins in the competition recorded within the past three seasons: 2023-24: St Asaph City 18-0 Rhyl Dragons; 2022-23 Aberystwyth Exiles 0-18 Cardiff Airport; 2022-23: Bodedern Athletic 17-0 Gaerwen.

In their initial reply, the BBC insisted the wins for Shrewsbury Town, St Asaph City, Cardiff Airport and Bodedern Athletic were all in qualifying rounds, which the broadcaster implies are not part of the competition itself.

GNW responded, emphasising our belief that qualifying rounds are very much part of the Welsh Cup.

However, even if the St Asaph, Cardiff Airport and Bodedern wins are taken out of the equation, the Shrewsbury tie in 1894-95 was NOT a qualifier, but an official first round match.

The BBC replied again today, stating

Dear David Jones,

Thank you for your further message.

Your comments were noted and again brought to the attention of the relevant BBC Wales Sport management.
Having consulted with the governing body (FAW) we understand there is one fixture preceding the inception of qualifying rounds in the competition.
We will therefore be amending our content accordingly to reflect this clarification.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us and for your patience in this matter.
Kind regards,

BBC Complaints Team

The BBC has now amended its article, including all the relevant points.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crm2yxrezdzo

The broadcaster accepts the Shrewsbury result was in an official first round match and has changed its wording about the TNS 16-0 victory to ‘modern day’.

The BBC now states:

“The New Saints equalled the record for the biggest win in the modern era of the Welsh Cup proper, since qualifying rounds were introduced, by beating Llangollen Town 16-0.
“S“hrewsbury secured an emphatic 21-0 triumph over Mold Alyn Stars in the first round in 1894-95, although this was prior to the inception of qualifying rounds.“

Sometimes it is worth persisting with a complaint