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

By Mark Rainey
Published 2nd Dec 2020, 10:33 BST
Updated 2nd Dec 2020, 11:42 BST
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.
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.

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