FANS and presenter Gary Lineker can’t believe US Open golf winner Matt Fitzpatrick missed out on A BBC SPOTY nomination.
Viewers called the Yorkshireman’s omission “ludicrous” and a “disgrace” after he won his first major in June.
Instead, the six shortlisted stars were Ben Stokes, Beth Mead, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jessica Gadirova, Eve Muirhead and Jake Wightman.
Fans blasted it as “absolutely ridiculous” and a “travesty”.
But many were mostly upset Fitzpatrick missed out – rather than being unhappy with other nominees.
And when one viewer asked: “Who would you replace?” the reply came: “No one. I’d have a seven-person shortlist.”
Lineker himself earlier tweeted his surprise during rehearsals when he saw Fitzpatrick’s name absent from the candidates.
And golf followers seemed especially aggrieved.
One posted: “I don’t know why you’re surprised.
“In 2014 when Rory won 2 majors and the Ryder Cup he still didn’t win it. No shock that Fitzy isn’t even nominated.”
Another said: “Try winning at least two majors next year, Matt Fitzpatrick. One just doesn’t cut it, I’m afraid.”
But one observer argued: “It’s a pretty fair list, imo.
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“All six of those listed deserve to be there, but I believe it should be a seven-person shortlist with Fitz included too.”
Fitzpatrick himself tweeted less than 24 hours before the awards: “2022, a year I’ll never forgot.
“A year that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, friends and team. Here’s to more success in 2023!!”
