Family man Greg Rutherford remains on SPOTY shortlist despite Tyson Fury concern

The gay English-born Northern Ireland-based journalist said he wrote to the BBC director general Tony Hall to question Fury’s nomination after the boxer made homophobic and sexist comments publically before and after his title-winning bout against Wladimir Klitschko two weeks ago.

“But the decision was made as a effect of threats made by Fury against at least one sports journalist, an SJA member, who has written about the boxer’s repugnant comments on homosexuality and women”.

They have concluded Fury’s comments were a “hate incident” rather than a hate crime.

“The circumstances in which these comments were made suggest that no criminal offence has taken place and this matter will not be investigated any further”, said a police spokesman.

The BBC clearly do not understand that by nominating Fury, who has on a number of occasions expressed homophobic views and compared homosexuality to paedophilia, they are putting him up as a role model to young people all over the United Kingdom and the world.

However, he is still going to be called before the British Boxing Board of Control to explain his actions at a hearing in January.

The BBC has so far refused to remove Fury from the 12-person Sports Personality of the Year shortlist, with the victor of the award set to be announced on December 20.

The Brit also came in for criticism for making seemingly sexist remarks, including the suggestion that Olympic and world heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill “slaps up good”.

Asked if the row had dissuaded her from turning up to the event in Belfast, Ennis-Hill said: “No, I’m still really looking forward to it. I haven’t any enemies, I don’t hate any race, color, creed, generation, nobody”.

“Jesus loves me and he loves you too… and he loves everybody in the world”, he added, smiling, as he leant out of the window of a van.

Rutherford said he was subsequently convinced to withdraw his request after meeting BBC executives but retains grave concerns over “very out-dated and derogatory comments” made by Fury. “I’m not a bigot, I’m not a racist, I am a gypsy”. He also said a woman’s place was in the kitchen.

Fury beat Klitschko, who had been IBF champion for nearly a decade, claiming three versions of the heavyweight crown.