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PAULA RADCLIFFE has rubbished speculation her husband called Sir Mo Farah's SPOTY triumph a "f****** joke".

Viewers were convinced Gary Lough - Farah's coach - turned to his wife in disagreement with the shock 50/1 winner's announcement.

 Some viewers believe Paula Radcliffe's husband called Sir Mo Farah's win a 'f****** joke'
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Some viewers believe Paula Radcliffe's husband called Sir Mo Farah's win a 'f****** joke'Credit: BBC

One social media user wrote: "Love Paula Radcliffe's husband mouthing "f***ing joke" as Mo Farah wins #SPOTY. Whatever could he mean?"

Another said: "Was that Paula Radcliffe’s husband shaking his head in disgust?! #spoty."

But former world champion runner Radcliffe, 44, insists there was no disgust in either her's or her husband's reaction - simply "shock".

Twitter user Sandra Caldwell asked her: "Can I ask if u and Gary disagreed with the vote, u both looked as though u did?"

 Gary Lough shakes his head as Sir Mo Farah is announced SPOTY 2017 winner
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Gary Lough shakes his head as Sir Mo Farah is announced SPOTY 2017 winnerCredit: BBC
 Paula Radcliffe's husband Gary Lough is Sir Mo Farah's coach
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Paula Radcliffe's husband Gary Lough is Sir Mo Farah's coachCredit: BBC
 Gary Lough turns to wife Paula Radcliffe after Sir Mo Farah is announced SPOTY 2017 winner
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Gary Lough turns to wife Paula Radcliffe after Sir Mo Farah is announced SPOTY 2017 winnerCredit: BBC
Mo Farah's son Hussein steals the show during his interview on Sports Personality of the Year

Radcliffe said: "Not at all. Totally the opposite, just surprised and bit shocked by it."

A negative reaction from Lough, 47, would have been a greater surprise than Farah's win considering he coaches the marathon legend.


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SunSport told you in October how Olympic hero Farah had split with controversial coach Alberto Salazar to return to Britain with Lough.

Farah retired from track events this year and is focusing on marathons and road-running.

Lough has a distinguished record in the sport, with his wife's world record-winning marathon holding up for 14 years.

Farah is a four-time Olympic gold medallist having won doubles at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 events.

 Mo Farah is presented the SPOTY 2017 award
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Mo Farah is presented the SPOTY 2017 awardCredit: PA:Press Association
 Sir Mo Farah's SPOTY win was a huge shock at 50/1
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Sir Mo Farah's SPOTY win was a huge shock at 50/1
Mo Farah finally gets to speak about winning Sports Personality of the Year award after live TV fail

The next big event for him to focus on will be the Virgin Money London Marathon in April.

Before being announced SPOTY winner - ahead of heavy favourite Anthony Joshua - Farah, who was not present at the Liverpool bash, struggled to calm down his son during a tantrum live on the BBC.

And when the announcement was made, his dream moment was ruined by a technical glitch.

The live feed for his acceptance speech cut off immediately after stepdaughter Rhianna handed him the trophy.

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