It is, of course, true that Tyson Fury’s remarks about homosexuality and abortion “could … count against him” in the voting for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty) award, provided, that is, the public knows about them (Gloves are off as Fury and Murray enter fray for BBC Sports Personality award, 1 December). As it is “widely recognised as being the most prestigious honour” outside the “sporting arena”, the BBC’s selection panel, who drew up the shortlist for the award, should ensure it goes to a worthy winner.
For a start, it would be helpful to know whether any of the 12 love their country so much, and are so grateful for the support of their British fans, that they live abroad and pay little or no tax to the Treasury. Perhaps the Guardian could help by publishing the shortlist again, but this time placing asterisks by the names of any non-doms and known tax avoiders?
Bernie Evans
Liverpool
• There is one obvious omission from the list of nominees for Spoty: Nigel Owens, the referee of the recent Rugby World Cup final. He has genuine personality, as opposed to being a media-trained cliche-generator; he’s absolutely at the top of his game; he respects and imposes an ethical code, an effective counterpoint to the drugs and corruption scandals afflicting other sports; and he’s shown that prejudice and preconceptions can be overcome with hard work and talent.
Gareth Cox
London
• It’s been a long time since we saw any form of cricket on the BBC – and this is their award – in favour of the very expensive F1 and live American football, but seriously – does nobody remember Trent Bridge, 6 August?
Peter Avery
London
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