BBC accused of racism against Scots after use of the word 'Jock' in business story headline

The BBC has been accused of racism after using the term 'Jock' in a headline for a business story on its website.

The 'offensive' word was used as part of a blog post, titled 'Jock Shock', by its Scottish business editor Douglas Fraser.

And Scots took to Twitter to slam what they believe is a 'racial slur'.

SNP MP Carol Monaghan tweeted the BBC story and wrote: 'The use of "Jock" is as unacceptable as any other racist slur. @BBCScotland is this considered an appropriate headline?'

Another user said: '@bbcscotlandnews "jock"? Stick your racist language and colonial attitudes where the sun doesn't shine.'

Pam G said: '"Jock"? Care to reword that or are Scottish licence payers expected to tolerate derogatory & insulting language?'

But many find the word offensive and UK courts have convicted people for using the term in a derogatory manner.

Other people disagreed that 'Jock' was an offensive term. 

'The use of "jock" has been controversial in the past.

'Police Scotland dropped action against columnist Katie Hopkins after comments she made describing Scottish people as "sweaty little jocks" provoked a flurry of complaints.'

Derek Murray said: 'For generations, Scottish soldiers have been known as "The Jocks" in the British Army. Racist slur it is not.'

A spokesman for BBC Scotland told The Scotsman: 'The news headline that was used with an article on the Scottish economy was a play on words on the term Shock Jock.

'It was produced by our Scottish news team and we do not consider the reference to be offensive.'     

SOURCE