Jonathan Rea ‘will not be added to SPOTY shortlist’

The move comes after motorcycle fans voiced their disappointment that the six-time World Superbike champion was overlooked for the accolade.

For more on the fallout from decision not to include Jonathan Rea on the shortlist, read here

South Antrim DUP MP Paul Girvan voiced disapproval at the decision in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday) and wrote to Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC concerning the SPOTY shortlist and Rea’s omission.

In the letter, Mr Girvan stated: “I was greatly shocked that Jonathan Rea MBE was omitted from the final shortlist. Mr Rea, a native of the constituency I am honoured to represent in Parliament, won the World Superbike Championship for the sixth time, winning all of his championships consecutively.

“By doing so Jonathan Rea has cemented himself as the single most-successful motorsport competitor that our nation has seen in the last decade, breaking numerous records in one of the most competitive sports in the world.

“While the six contenders for SPOTY this year have accomplished incredible feats, and I do not wish to diminish their achievements, Jonathan Rea’s triumphs this calendar year, along with his attitude to his sport and his community place him at the very pinnacle of our nation’s sporting greats.”

Mr Girvan added: “With Tyson Fury today requesting that he be removed from the shortlist I ask, along with the people of the United Kingdom who recognise the immense achievements of Jonathan Rea to place the World Superbike Champion on the shortlist or allow him to be added to the number.”

In a statement issued to this newspaper this afternoon, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “The shortlist is selected by an independent panel, this year made up of individuals from across the UK, who consider many different sports people.

“The members of the expert panel are selected based on their collective breadth and depth of sporting knowledge.

“The nominees shortlisted were decided by the panel to be those who had made the biggest sporting impact this year.”

When asked how many complaints had been received following the Ballyclare man’s omission and whether the decision would be overturned following the outcry, the spokesperson added: “We do not comment on complaints figures, he won’t be added to the shortlist. We don’t comment on personal correspondence, but the Director General has received the letter and we’ll be responding shortly.”

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