Sir Mo Farah’s Sports Personality Of The Year Award triumph cut short as BBC’s live feed fails seconds after he finally wins prize
The 34-year-old won the prestigious award for the first time - but the moment was ruined when satellite feed linking him from London to Liverpool cut out
MO Farah finally won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year last night – but had his dream moment ruined by a technical glitch.
Britain’s greatest ever athlete received the award via satellite link-up in London as he couldn’t attend the event in Liverpool.
But the stunned runner’s winning speech was cut short when the live video link signal was cut off immediately after stepdaughter Rhianna handed him the trophy.
It was a shock win for the Somali-born Londoner, while heavyweight boxing champ and huge favourite Anthony Joshua missed out on the top three by just 18 votes.
Farah, 34, was unable to attend the awards ceremony in Liverpool, but was visibly thrilled when his name was read out by Kenny Dalglish.
But the audience was left frustrated when he was replaced with a blue screen and message which read: “Signal loss detected”.
The mishap came after Farah’s young son had interrupted an earlier attempt to interview the track great about his career and plans to run marathons.
Groans were heard as embarrassed presenter Gabby Logan said: “I think that just about sums up Mo’s evening doesn’t it really.”
Co-presenter Clare Balding added: “It was the most brilliant non-interview that’s ever happened.
“Everyone has voted for a real legend of sport.”
An unusually quiet Gary Lineker finally piped up to say he hoped they would be able to “resurrect” the line very shortly.
When Farah was finally able to deliver his winning speech, he told those at the event: “It is pretty amazing and hard to think about.
“I didn’t imagine I was ever going to win this but anything can happen. If you work hard you can achieve your dreams.
“I am sorry I couldn’t be there. My kid has been not well. I just cannot believe I have won.”
It wasn’t the first time during the night that Farah, 34, suffered an on-air blunder.
He was earlier upstaged by his son Hussein who was caught on camera having an on-screen temper tantrum.
Sitting on his dad’s lap, the youngster was whining, totally oblivious to the fact they were being broadcast live.
The little boy also managed to cover up his dad’s mic – leaving viewers unable to hear the SPOTY winner.
Gabby quipped: “I think Hussein’s getting more airtime than you at the moment.”
It is the first time Farah has triumphed in the Sports Personality of the Year awards, in what was another hugely successful calendar year.
He won the 10,000 metres at the IAAF World Championships in London, while also claiming the silver in the 5,000m.
MAN OF THE MO-MENT Watch the hilarious moment Mo Farah’s son has tantrum during his BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017 speech
Paralympic star Jonnie Peacock finished in third place, behind three-time Superbike world champion Jonathan Rea.
What is most shocking of all is the fact Anthony Joshua failed to be named in the top three.
The unbeaten WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight knocked out Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in April in one of the most dramatic fights in recent times.
William Hill spokesperson Joe Crilly said of the result: “The last time a shock like this happened at SPOTY was when 20/1 shot Ryan Giggs beat 1/10 favourite Jenson Button to the award.
“This is as much of a shock as that and 77 per cent of all bets placed on this market were for Joshua. Wow!!!”
Elsewhere, tragic Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery won the first award of the night.
The six-year-old touched the lives of millions through his bravery and positive attitude before he died .from cancer.
His proud parents Gemma and Carl picked up the Helen Rollason award on his behalf.
Manchester City starlet Phil Foden was named as the Young Sports Personality of the Year after helping England’s U-17s win the World Cup.
Another winner on the night was 55-year-old Denise Larrod, who picked up the Unsung Hero award for her sporting work in the community in Leicestershire.
Olympic heptathlon goal medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill claimed the Lifetime Achievement award, while fan favourite Roger Federer was named as the Overseas Sports Personality winner.
Stephen Maguire, Christian Malcolm and Benke Blomkist won the Coaches of the Year award, after helping Team GB to win gold in 2017 World Championships 4 x 100m relay.
While the England women’s cricket side won the Team of the Year award after their triumph in the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
