McIlroy explains Sports Personality of the Year snub in brutal dig at BBC

The superstar golfer snubbed the event entirely, refusing to even supply a video link after deciding not to attend.

He was among six nominees for the prize which was won by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

According to the Telegraph, McIlroy stated the nomination had totally slipped his mind, as he said: "I forgot I'd even been nominated."

He added: "So that's how much I think about it.

"Look, it's a popularity contest and I think it's just not really what it once was."

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McIlroy's indifference did not end there.

The Northern Irishman will become the sixth golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam if he wins the Masters in April - but he told the Telegraph that it would not guarantee him showing up at SPOTY.

When asked about the BBC's so-called apathy towards golf as a sport, McIlroy responded: "Buy Sky Sports."

The BBC have recently faced criticism for an apparent lack of interest in golf.

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Matt Fitzpatrick was not nominated for SPOTY despite winning the US Open in 2022, while Georgia Hall was also snubbed after winning The Women's Open as a 22-year-old in 2018.

McIlroy was the leading point-scorer as Europe regained the Ryder Cup in spectacular fashion last year.

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The 34-year-old has also been an outspoken voice in golf's power struggle between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

He finished second to Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton in the 2014 SPOTY voting despite entering the night as the overwhelming favourite.

That year, McIlroy won two majors - the PGA Championship and The Open - as well as starring in a winning Ryder Cup team.

Ahead of the 2023 ceremony in December, McIlroy attended the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool days earlier, before flying back to Florida.