SPOTY 2019 blunder as Gary Lineker apologises for ‘giving away’ main award winner
Gary Lineker was quick to apologise after “giving away” the winner of the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Sports Personality of the Year: Gary Lineker has hilarious blunder
Sports fans were quick to jump on social media after Gary Lineker announced Ben Stokes as the winner of the Sports Personality of the Year awards, prior to the voting being open. Stokes led England to World Cup glory this summer and was the favourite to win the award with the bookmakers.
England cricket heroes Jason Roy, Eoin Morgan and Stokes himself were present at the BBC’s awards night in Aberdeen.
But Lineker dropped a huge clanger when bringing the trio on stage to reflect on their achievements this year.
“Please welcome England world cup winner Jason Roy, captain Eoin Morgan and main award winner Ben Stokes,” Lineker said.
During a brief chat with all three stars, presenter Lineker was quick to backtrack on his previous comments.
“Ben, I introduced you rather than contender I said winner,” he backtracked.
JUST IN: Ben Stokes wins 2019 Sports Personality of the Year
“I was hoping and not tempting fate in any way, shape or form by that. That was my mistake.”
But fans were quick to pick up on the major error and claim that result will stand.
One fan tweeted: “Oops, Gary Lineker introduces Ben Stokes as the main award winner, the subtitles said main award contender. Cue the conspiracy stories... #bbcspoty #SPOTY19.”
While another added: “Main award winner Ben Stokes, may as well turn off now hey @GaryLineker #SPOTY.”
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A further user commented: “Has Gary Lineker made one of the biggest gaffes ever by giving away the sports personality of the year? Ben Stokes, major award winner.’
“If so he shouldn’t present it ever again.”
And another person wrote: “Gary Lineker is the #SPOTY version of an exit poll. No point watching the rest of the show now I know Ben Stokes has won. Time for the darts.”
Stokes went on to claim the top prize and then paid tribute to his wife and family.
He said: “First of all, I think congratulations to all the nominees. What you've managed to achieve as individuals and do for your sport is simply sensational, so well done to you too.
"There's so many people you feel you have to thank when you're up here. It's an individual award, but I play a team sport and one of the great things about that is you get to share special moments with those team-mates, coaches and without that effort you put in, I wouldn't be up here receiving this award so thank you so much.
"Two years ago was a tough time for me in my life and I've had so many people help me through that. My fantastic manager and friend Neil Fairbrother, you're more than an agent, you're an incredible man. I don't know how you've put up with Andrew Flintoff and me, you and [Fairbrother's wife] Audrey, you're incredible people.
"My parents, they live on the other side of the world, they don't get to share moments like this, the World Cup and be there with me, but the time you dedicated to me growing up, the selflessness to get me to training camps and around the country, this is for you. I love you so much, thank you.
"To my amazing wife, Clare. Family to me is more important than what I do for a living. It puts perspective on everything, after the good and bad days they are there for me no matter what. My two kids too, they are awesome I love you so much.
"Back to Clare, you're a rock. You always have been. You always will be. I wish you could come here and share it with me, you deserve it just as much. I love you so much and I'm so proud to call you my wife.
"I'm guessing I should leave it there."
Sports Personality 2019 award winners
Helen Rollason Award: Doddie Weir
Young Sports Personality of the Year: Caroline Dubois
Lifetime Achievement: Tanni Grey-Thompson
Coach of the Year: John Blackie
Team of the Year: England's Cricket World Cup team
World Sport Star: Eliud Kipchoge
Greatest Sporting Moment: Jos Buttler breaks the stumps to seal Cricket World Cup victory
Unsung Hero: Keiren Thompson