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Alex Evans

Fury as Kevin Sinfield snubbed for knighthood despite Rob Burrow MND campaign

People across Leeds and beyond who have followed the heartbreaking story of Rob Burrow's battle with Motor Neurone Disease and fellow rugby star Kevin Sinfield's campaigning are furious tonight.

That's because King Charles' first New Year Honours has omitted Kevin Sinfield, despite calls from many that Sinfield should have been picking up a knighthood.

Four England Lioness stars were given knighthoods along with Queen guitarist Brian May and artist Grayson Perry.

Read More: All 17 Leeds folk handed a New Year Honour by King Charles

Kevin Sinfield was handed an OBE for his campaigning and charity work around MND in January 2022, but many were hoping to see the man become Sir Kevin Sinfield this time around.

Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019, two years after retiring from a 17-year career. Rob and Kevin were given BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards for their relentless fundraising and raising awareness of MND earlier this month.

Kevin and Rob Burrow have not been recognised in the New Year honours (BBC)

In his acceptance speech, Kevin took aim at the government for failing to do more to fund MND research, telling viewers 'it's not incurable, just underfunded'.

And tonight people are furious that Kevin Sinfield has not been knighted by King Charles.

@lordbumble said: "Absolutely crestfallen that Kevin Sinfield has once again been overlooked in NY honours. This man continues to shine in all walks of life, particularly in his unstinting efforts in raising money and the profile of MND research. Most of all, he is a true friend to Rob Burrow."

Khya Gott said: "Kevin Sinfield, who has raised millions of pounds for motor neurone disease, excluded from this list. In November he ran seven ultra-marathons in seven days for MND. His exclusion is surprising, but he doesn’t need a title to be a legend."

@hannah_thomas said: "No knighthood for Kevin Sinfield. He would have been the first name on my list #NewYearsHonours"

@robbierhino13 said: "Why hasn’t Kevin Sinfield got a knighthood for all his fundraising for MND something not quite right here"

@richardfarquhar said: "Could anyone tell me how on earth Kevin Sinfield has been overlooked AGAIN in the New Year's Honours List? It makes a completely mockery of the entire system when someone so deserving of the highest recognition is ignored."

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