Ian Poulter leads backlash against BBC Sports Personality of the Year over Matt Fitzpatrick omission

new balance


‘It makes this event a continued FARCE and joke’: Ian Poulter leads backlash against BBC Sports Personality of the Year for Matt Fitzpatrick’s shortlist omission… though US Open winner was already going to ‘snub’ the show

Ian Poulter has led the backlash against BBC Sports Personality of the Year for omitting Matt Fitzpatrick from their shortlist for the award.

It was announced on Tuesday that Beth Mead, Ben Stokes, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jessica Gadirova, Eve Muirhead and Jake Wightman have been nominated for the prize which will be awarded on Wednesday.

See also  Tiger Woods Concedes the Spotlight. ‘I’ve Had a Pretty Good Run.’

Fitzpatrick was a glaring omission from the running after winning the U.S. Open back in June.

Matt Fitzpatrick was snubbed in the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Matt Fitzpatrick was snubbed in the shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Poulter, who was angry with his own omission in 2012, took to Twitter to slam the decision not include Fitzpatrick.

He tweeted: ‘Sorry but complete disregard for @MattFitz94 makes this event a continued farce and joke.

‘I experienced first hand how much of a joke this was ten years ago. Promised myself then I’d never waste time attending or watching again.’ 

Poulter was omitted in 2012 despite his starring role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup success that year, winning all four of his matches.

Ian Poulter has described the show as a 'continued farce and joke' over Fitzpatrick's omission

Ian Poulter has described the show as a ‘continued farce and joke’ over Fitzpatrick’s omission

Poulter was angry not to be on the 2012 shortlist despite his Ryder Cup heroics that year

Poulter was angry not to be on the 2012 shortlist despite his Ryder Cup heroics that year

65779539 0 image a 1 1671553599505

However, it was reported by the Telegraph last month that Fitzpatrick had already snubbed an invitation to attend the show.

See also  Rory McIlroy's rise to the top of golf has been epic - but can he win first Masters title in 2023?

A golfer has not been crowned Sports Personality of the Year since Nick Faldo in 1989 after his first Masters victory.

Rory McIlroy has also failed to win the award, finishing second in 2014 to Lewis Hamilton despite winning back-to-back majors at The Open and the PGA Championship.

Justin Rose was nominated for the award after winning the 2013 US Open, but finished ninth out of the 10 nominees and the recent cut to six nominations proved to be costly in Fitzpatrick’s chances of being included.

Like Poulter, Rose also criticised the decision as with a hands up emoji he asked: ‘One question @BBC Sport @BBCSPOTY – What about @MattFitz94 and his @usopengolf win this year??’

Former BBC presenter Dan Walker commented: ‘I love #SPOTY but I’m surprised there is no space on the shortlist for @MattFitz94 who had an unbelievable year.’

65779551 0 image a 2 1671554464604

65779553 0 image a 3 1671554527973

65779545 0 image a 4 1671554630269

65779547 0 image a 5 1671554650908

 Fans also questioned the decision, with one describing it as a ‘disgrace’ while another said it was a ‘sham’ that he was omitted.

See also  How the LIV rebel golf tour is turning the game on its head

Matthew Fieldsend wrote: ‘How on earth is @MattFitz94 not included in the nominations! Absolutely shocking. How many majors does he need to win a year to get a nomination. Clearly 1 on US soil just isn’t good enough apparently.’

Oli Hunt added: ‘Absolute disgrace that @MattFitz94 isn’t on this list. The BBC may not be able to broadcast much golf and Matt may not be there in person, but the @BBCSport annual cold shoulder to golf is embarrassing.’ 

While @markg0366 commented: ‘#Spoty22 just seen the shortlist I think you’ve omitted @MattFitz94. I’m simply assuming it’s an upload to the website problem but be great to see it corrected speedily. Yours sincerely a diligent licence payer.’

Fitzpatrick had already made the decision not to show up to Wednesday's awards show

Fitzpatrick had already made the decision not to show up to Wednesday’s awards show

Nick Faldo was the last golfer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 33 years ago

Nick Faldo was the last golfer to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 33 years ago

65779549 0 image a 6 1671554682493

65779557 0 image a 7 1671554740668

65779555 0 image a 8 1671554787092

Advertisement

new balance



Source link