Arlene Foster: Jonathan Rea omission from BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist is an ‘absolute disgrace’

The decision not to include Jonathan Rea in the UK Sports Personality of the Year shortlist has been branded an “absolute disgrace” by First Minister Arlene Foster.
By Mark Rainey
Published 2nd Dec 2020, 10:33 GMT
Updated 2nd Dec 2020, 11:42 GMT
Jonathan Rea won the World Superbike Championship for a record sixth time at Estoril in Portugal.Jonathan Rea won the World Superbike Championship for a record sixth time at Estoril in Portugal.
Jonathan Rea won the World Superbike Championship for a record sixth time at Estoril in Portugal.

Ballyclare rider Rea won the World Superbike championship for a record-breaking sixth time in a row in October.

After sports pundit Liam Beckett described the SPOTY awards as having “lost all credibility,” Mrs Foster told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme she backed that assessment.

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“Can I just say how much I agree with Liam Beckett on the Jonathan Rea issue,” she said.

First Minister Arlene Foster. PresseyeFirst Minister Arlene Foster. Presseye
First Minister Arlene Foster. Presseye

“I think it’s an absolute disgrace and, like him, I shall not be watching Sports Personality of the Year this year.

“For me, Jonathan Rea is the sports personality of the year.”

The shortlist of six contenders has been announced as: cricketer Stuart Broad; jockey Hollie Doyle; boxer Tyson Fury; Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton; Liverpool footballer Jordan Henderson and snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan.

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Voting will be open to the public during the SPOTY programme which is being broadcast live from the Media City studies in Salford on Sunday, December 20.

READ: Jonathan Rea reflects on ‘super sweet’ sixth world title win

READ: Mum’s the word for six times World Superbike champion

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Related topics:Jonathan ReaArlene FosterBallyclareJordan HendersonStuart BroadLewis Hamilton