Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has expressed his belief that Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is not deserving of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award because he is a "tax exile".
The Mercedes driver topped the vote in Glasgow last night, with world number one golfer Rory McIlroy coming second and GB athlete Jo Pavey finishing third.
This morning, Barton suggested that Hamilton shouldn't be eligible for the honour as he resides in Monaco and has done since 2012.
The footballer tweeted: "Can't believe they gave SPOTY to Hamilton. 1. Formula 1 is the most boring sport ever. 2. He brought a dog with him. 3. He's a tax exile.
"McIlroy, wins multiple golf Majors and Ryder Cup. Froch, boxing World champion. In fact every other nominee was more deserving the Hamilton.
"Tax exile's should be exempt from winning trophies paid and voted for by the tax/licence payer. He should never have won. He is a terrible role model to any Britain. What precedent does that set. Bad day in our history."
Hamilton secured his second world title after beating his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in the driver rankings.
Danielle Joynson
