BBC has issued an official apology to Sir Bob Geldof after a televised report suggested that money raised by the singer’s 1985 Live Aid concerts and recordings went to funding weapons for rebel forces in Ethiopia.

The rocker was shocked and furious when he saw the BBC programme broadcast in the UK March 10 which reported that £150 million ($240 million) raised by Band Aid was awarded to rebel army leader – and now Ethiopian prime minister - Meles Zenawi, and used to arm militants in the country.

The former Boomtown Rats frontman immediately filed an official complaint which resulted in a BBC internal investigation. The bosses of the corporation ultimately ruled that the claims were unsubstantiated and should never have been broadcast.

A spokesperson for BBC issued a statement saying: “The BBC accepts we should have been more explicit in making it clear that the allegations did not relate specifically to Band Aid. We are looking at lessons that can be learnt."

Sir Bob added: "Since their inception over 26 years ago, Band Aid and Live Aid have been subject to meticulous governance, auditing and independent reviews."

"The BBC's misleading and unfair coverage had the potential to be extremely damaging to public faith, not only in Band Aid, but also other charitable campaigns and people's willingness to donate their cash to disaster funds.

"We welcome the BBC's apologies and hope that the public corrections can begin to repair some of the appalling damage done, and move forward."

Watch Band Aid's hit charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas' below: