Viewers were furious after the host cut in to move on to the next segment before the racing driver, who lost both legs last year, had finished thanking those who helped him in his recovery
BBC Sport Personality of the Year viewers blasted Clare Balding after she cut off young race driver Billy Monger's acceptance speech.
The 19-year-old lost both his legs in a near-fatal crash during a Formula 4 race at Donington Park in April 2017.
But less than a year after the accident the inspirational 19-year-old returned to racing in March at the F3 Championship.
The Beeb honoured the heroic driver with the Helen Rollason Award, with Lewis Hamilton on hand to present the prize.
But Monger’s touching address upon receiving the accolade was stopped in its tracks as Balding began a voice over off-screen while Billy – still on camera – continue to try to talk.
And the thousands watching at home were furious that despite twice trying he was unable to finish his speech.
One Twitter user wrote: ”Show some respect to Billy Monger ...how dare you cut off such an inspirational, eloquent, brave, wonderful young man so you can ‘keep to the schedule’ which will overrun with the presenters and their scripts. Very unimpressed.”
Another said: “Absolutely disgusting cutting off Billy Monger. You are a disgrace, he hadn’t finished his speech.”
While another tweeted: “Can not believe the BBC Sports Personality cut Billy Monger off when he was thanking all the wonderful people that looked after him after his devastating accident, I’m sure he wanted to thank his mum and dad more than anyone and good old BBC messed it up again!!!!”
According to Mirror Sport, BBC claimed Balding thought Billy had finished so therefore moved on to the next section of the show.
To make up for the gaffe, Monger was given an opportunity to finish his speech later in the show and used it to thank his parents for their support.
Monger’s crash at Donington Park saw his little sister Bonny dash to his side in order to help him remain calm while medics rushed to the scene.
And the speedster credits Bonny for giving him the “will to keep fighting” after losing both of his legs.
Click here to find out all the winners from SPOTY.
