Outrage at SPOTY: Did Scott McTominay Deserve a Better Award? A Perceived Robbery.

Someone call the police! Scott McTominay just got robbed at the Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards took place last night, and while the ceremony celebrated a year of incredible sporting achievements, a cloud of controversy hangs over the results. Scott McTominay, the Scottish midfielder who has been in sensational form since his move to Napoli, was shockingly overlooked for the award, sparking outrage among fans and pundits alike.

McTominay's 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal. After transferring to Napoli last summer, the former Manchester United player has reinvented himself as a continental midfield maestro. He played a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A title victory, scoring 12 league goals and providing six assists under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte. His contributions were so significant that he was named Serie A Player of the Year, the first Scottish player to ever receive the honor. In doing so, McTominay broke Denis Law's 63-year-old record for the most goals scored by a Scotsman in a single Serie A season.

Beyond his club success, McTominay was also instrumental in Scotland's World Cup qualification campaign. His stellar performances earned him a place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, marking the first time a Scot had been nominated since Ally McCoist in 1987. One particular highlight was his "vital/spectacular goal against Denmark" which many considered a Puskas Awards contender.

Despite these remarkable achievements, the BBC's expert panel decided to exclude McTominay from the SPOTY shortlist. The BBC stated that "A wide range of contenders were reviewed and debated by an expert industry panel, who reached a consensus on the final shortlist". The shortlist included England Lionesses stars Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union ace Ellie Kildunne and Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris.

The omission has been met with disbelief and anger from many within the sporting world. Sports journalist Henry Winter voiced his surprise on social media, questioning how McTominay could be left off the list after such an "amazing year". Fans have also taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many labeling the decision a "robbery".

While Rory McIlroy ultimately took home the Sports Personality of the Year award, the controversy surrounding McTominay's exclusion has undoubtedly overshadowed the event. The decision raises questions about the criteria used for selecting the shortlist and whether achievements in leagues outside of England are properly recognized. Whether it was an oversight or a deliberate snub, one thing is clear: Scott McTominay's incredible year deserved to be celebrated on the SPOTY stage.


Written By
Rahul Menon is a thoughtful journalist who explores the evolving landscape of sports with depth and integrity. He writes with a focus on context, impact, and narrative strength. Whether reporting on emerging talent or broader industry trends, Rahul’s work reflects curiosity and clarity. He sees sports journalism as a bridge between fact, fairness, and emotion.
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