Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary rapped by Advertising Standards Authority over Thomas Cook adverts

The reprimand is the 23rd handed out to the low-cost airline in just five years.

Wednesday's ruling concerns "denigratory" adverts that appeared in a string of newspapers last November around the time of Thomas Cook's well publicised financial woes.

The embattled holiday company was forced to go cap in hand to lenders for emergency funding.

Ryanair's adverts were entitled "Bye Bye Thomas Cook" and featured newspaper headlines claiming the tour operator was in "dire straits" and had debts of "nearly £1bn".

They also boasted: "Ryanair - guaranteed to keep flying this Christmas."

For more information;  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9126849/Ryanair-chief-Michael-OLeary-rapped-by-Advertising-Standards-Authority-over-Thomas-Cook-adverts.html