Paula Radcliffe insists husband Gary Lough did not call Sir Mo Farah’s SPOTY win ‘f****** joke*
Viewers were convinced the coach - who works alongside British running legend - was appalled at the decision to crown him winner
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.
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?”
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.
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.