The BBC have been slammed over its ‘woke’ coverage of the Sports Personality of the Year award this year, which is being held on a Thursday.
Rory McIlroy is seen as the favourite to win the award after securing a career Grand Slam when he won The Masters earlier this year.
It is an achievement, completed by winning every major title, that only five other golfers in history have ever completed – the last being Tiger Woods 25 years ago.
However, the Northern Irishman faces stiff competition for the accolade from fellow sports stars Luke Littler, Ellie Kildunne, Lando Norris, Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly.
Hosting the event is Alex Scott, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan, while viewers have already hit out at the ‘woke’ BBC for its coverage while the event has been moved from its traditional timing on a weekend.
One viewer said on social media: “So, just found out it’s SPOTY tonight.
SPOTY has come under fire over the BBC’s ‘woke’ coverage
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“Always used to watch it, remember as far back as Rummy being on it.
“Not any more, not for quite a few years. Like everything else, the @BBC @BBCSport have absolutely ruined it.
Another wrote: “Why are there not separate men’s and women’s categories? They don’t compete on the field so how can we compare a female rugby player to a male golfer ..for example? Just watch a female sportswoman win this – it’s the BBC!
This viewer said: “Used to love this when I was growing up. It’s so today’s BBC that I hate it and haven’t watched it for years.
A fourth posted: “Woke SPOTY.”
Alex Scott, Clare Balding and Gabby Logan are hosting the event on Thursday night
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And this viewer said: “Shame on the BBC for ruining SPOTY. Woke nonsense these days.”
With McIlroy in attendance, the golfer is expected to become the first person from his sport to win the trophy since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989.
However, Norris and Littler are also fancied for the title after incredible years.
Norris won the Formula One World Championship after beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to top spot with McLaren in a nail-biting finale in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Littler became the youngest world champion in darts of all time when he beat Michael van Gerwen to the title in January, before going on to secure an almighty year in terms of silverware.
As well as winning the World Darts Championship, the 18-year-old also lifted the World Grand Prix, the World Matchplay, the UK Open, the Grand Slam and the Premier League – all in the last 12 months.
He is also tipped to defend his world title in January where he is the overwhelming favourite at the Ally Pally.
Women have dominated the SPOTY award in recent years, winning the trophy the last four times
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Rory McIlroy is the favourite to win the SPOTY award after an incredible year
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Also included on the shortlist is Lionesses pair Hampton and Kelly, who helped lead England to glory at the Women’s European Championship, marking an incredible few years for the women’s team.
Kildunne, meanwhile, helped England win the World Cup – their third title and first since 2014.
But if the SPOTY isn’t for you this year, you can always switch to GB News – where Nigel Farage is hosting his Christmas show this year!
