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The best of 2020's amazing world of sport – video highlights

The alternative 2020 sports awards: quotes, storms and animal cameos

This article is more than 3 years old

It was the year top clubs chased public money while fans gave theirs to food banks. Plus: rows, memes and angry ants

Part one: Sport and the pandemic


Judgment call of the year

As clubs reacted to the new normal: Arsenal – unveiling £230k-a-week Thomas Partey (“#NoThomasNoPartey”) a day after making their dinosaur redundant. Arsenal said job cuts, including Gunnersaurus, were “sad but essential” for “ensuring we operate in a sustainable and responsible way”.

Also making sad changes:
1) Daniel Levy –
trying to furlough staff and introduce 20% pay cuts before public opinion turned. Levy said the criticism of a tax‑exile‑owned club asking for public money “had been felt all the more keenly because of our track record of good works – and our huge sense of responsibility to care”.

2) Fenway Sports Group, walking back their decision to furlough Liverpool staff soon after reporting a £42m club profit, having “come to the wrong conclusion last week … we are truly sorry for that”.

And 3) Mike Ashley, furloughing Newcastle staff to “safeguard the future of the club” while also trying to sell it to Saudi sportswashers. In March Ashley clarified his broader stance on the pandemic after media criticised his lockdown attempt to keep Sports Direct open and put its prices up. Ashley: “There has been no dress rehearsal for what we as a nation are currently tackling … I for one am immensely proud of our government, our NHS and all of our key workers.”

Best antidote to all that

Was Newcastle fans raising over £20,000 for a food bank by donating their £14.95 pay-per-view fees. PPV – backed by Ashley in October “due to there being no realistic or viable alternative” – was dropped in November.

Image of the year

Taken in 2018 but finding new life online in 2020, as the public got a feel for the man throwing a protective ring around the nation.

Matt Hancock: popular online. Photograph: Andrew McCaren/LNP/Shutterstock

Single strangest moment

Came in November – Allegra Stratton, new head of the No 10 briefing unit hired to tidy up government crisis messaging – pocket-tweeting a lo-res photo of Tony Pulis captioned “Pppppppp”. No explanation followed, it was deleted, she moved on.

Pandemic story with the most cut-through

The moment No 10 knew cut-through was complete:
29 May: TV viewers watching Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Australia’s Bankwest Stadium – where fans could pay $22 to have a cardboard cutout of themselves in the stand – spotting one of Dominic Cummings.

He’s travelled to Sydney now. Cummings doesn’t give a shit! pic.twitter.com/BbTRllHrQm

— Sam Rowlett (@samkrowlett) May 29, 2020

Also given airtime during the cutout scheme, before the NRL launched “a review of the vetting process”: Harold Shipman watching Newcastle Knights v Penrith Panthers, and Adolf Hitler, photoshopped into the stands by Fox Sports’ The Matty Johns Show. Fox said sorry after a viewer backlash: “We sincerely apologise for the offence the image has caused.”

Most surprising source of reliable global emergency info

Was Inter’s Ashley Young, filling a government comms hole in March with a 12-tweet thread of Covid advice, based on his experience as Italy struggled.

Among 2020’s less successful attempts to step up:

1) Kyle Walker
, urging followers in April to “stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” without telling them he’d hired two escorts for a £2k lockdown home visit the previous day.

2) @jofraarcher, bursting England cricket’s biosecure bubble for a trip home, 13 days after warning followers: “Coronavirus is the biggest global crisis for children since World War Two.”

And 3) @JackGrealish, crashing his car while wearing mismatched slippers outside a friend’s house the morning after telling fans: “Stay home. Only leave your house to buy food, medicine, or to exercise. This is urgent. Protect the NHS. Stay at home. Save lives.” Grealish said he was “deeply embarrassed … I obviously urge everyone to follow the rules, I know for a fact I’ll be doing that,” then broke them again this month. Dean Smith: “These are challenging times for us all.”

Most on-brand government policy announcement

Came in November amid restriction exemptions for chauffeurs, “high-value” fliers and grouse-shooters: a £135m bailout for rugby union, and £12m for rugby league. No 10 denied favouring “Tory sports”; RFU head Bill Sweeney called the settlement “very pleasing”.

Purest heart of the year

Was sport’s leading anti-vaxxer Novak Djokovic, whose summer Adria Tour featured hugging, topless dancing, full stands and then multiple positive Covid tests, including for him and his wife. Djokovic said he put the event on “with a pure heart and sincere intentions” but “we were wrong … I pray for everyone’s recovery”.

Most surreal moments

1) 21 May: Matt Hancock taking questions from Robbie Savage at the daily Covid briefing; and 2) 5 October: Hancock admitting a major Covid data loss in the Commons while next door Brexit’s Baron Botham of Ravensworth was making his debut in ermine.

Was a fake @MarcusRashforrd account handling the alt-right so he didn’t have to. @KTHopkins: “Dear Marcus Rashford, do you think women should think about how they are going to feed a child before they decide to have it? I do not want to pay to feed other people’s kids. You are welcome to.” The fake account’s reply had two words, and 259.8k likes.

Best sport/politics crossover memes

1) Breaking news on new government restrictions in October.

“There’s been a second lockdown, but for who, Chris Kamara?” pic.twitter.com/4MNd8arxGD

— Jasmine Baba (@_jasminebaba) October 30, 2020

2) Plus @visualsatire, staying topical in September.

Priti Patel with the hair of Terry Yorath pic.twitter.com/CIKMjJwVUd

— Football Manager Hair on Politicians (@visualsatire) September 10, 2020

Worst double checking

South Korea’s FC Seoul – explaining themselves in May after they were fined for filling empty stands with sex dolls. Seoul said their “inexcusable mistake” was due to “a mix-up with the supplier … it is true they look and feel like real humans, but the manufacturer told us they were not made for sexual use. We double-, and triple-checked this.”

Also not happy: tech suppliers to Japanese baseball side Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, denying in July that replacing fans with synchronised dancing robots in human and dog form was “too creepy”: “These are often used at construction sites. This is only their first time in entertainment.”

Dancing robots replace fans at baseball game in Japan – video

Best reaching out

Schalke in June, asking fans who bought tickets to matches they were no longer allowed to attend to explain why they wanted refunds: “Why do you need the money now? Elaborate on your case of hardship and if possible submit documentation.” The club apologised for using “impersonal and not very sensitive expressions”.

Unlikeliest sport headline

Among many that would not have made sense last year: @SkySports on darts in April: “Gary Anderson ruled out of event due to poor WiFi.”

Most relatable

@eastleighFC, not buying into the first lockdown’s inter-club online banter after Havant & Waterlooville’s account asked in March: “Hey, @EastleighFC fancy a little quiz?” @EastleighFC: “No.”

Special award for trying to do the right thing

German 11th-tier side SG Ripdorf/Molzen II, beaten 37-0 in September after socially distancing from opponents. Only seven Ripdorf players agreed to take part after learning Holdenstedt’s squad had been in contact with an infected person, and “kept a safe distance” during play. “We are thankful for those seven,” said Ripdorf’s co-chair. “There was no perfect solution here.”

Best vantage point

Today’s official attendance was: 1

A great effort from Tom and his camper van. #BornToBeFylde⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9pQezTifEZ

— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) September 26, 2020

And single best use of lockdown

Was rugby and golf commentator @MrAndrewCotter covering feeding time for dogs Olive and Mable. Featuring the year’s soundest all-round advice: “Don’t bollocks around wagging your tail.”

I was bored. pic.twitter.com/bVoC0hyNzC

— Andrew Cotter (@MrAndrewCotter) March 27, 2020

Part two: away from the pandemic


Best use of a platform

Naomi Osaka won the US Open having worn a different mask in each round bearing the name of a black victim of violence. “The more retweets it gets … that’s so lame … but the more people talk about it.” See also Lewis Hamilton.

Worst use of a platform

FA head Greg Clarke, telling MPs in November about “coloured” players and how gay players made “a life choice”. Clarke resigned hours later: “Sometimes I trip over my words.”

Most satisfying delivery

Was this from January, in simpler times: Greg Harlow telling World Indoor Bowls Championships partner Nick Brett: “There’s about six inches between the two bowls, so there is just room.” The crowd laughs; Brett finds the six inches.

‘That is ridiculous’: brilliant bowls shot lights up World Indoor Championships – video

Best interview

Came in November as Scotland’s Ryan Christie welled up pitch-side after their Euro 2020 qualifier penalties win in Serbia ended a 23-year absence from major men’s tournaments. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through … Just, for everything, you know … ohhhhh. I’m gone.”

Just a great interview with Ryan Christie pic.twitter.com/h7yLGVblgF

— James Dart (@James_Dart) November 12, 2020

Worst sinking feeling

From British Transport Police @BTPNotts in July:

Officers attended a report of persons in the canal opposite Nottingham station. A Forest fan had jumped in to celebrate a win over local rivals, unaware of the late equaliser ⚽️ #wounded https://t.co/SIdniwNCOS

— BTP Nottinghamshire (@BTPNotts) July 4, 2020

Tastiest ultras

A club statement from @FortWilliamFC in March: “Following unacceptable behaviour of The Ultras supporters group over a number of games this season we have taken the decision to ban this group from home games. They will be able to gain entry individually if accompanied by a parent.”

Noblest tradition

Venue operators playing the wrong national anthem. This year: The ATP Cup, playing Romania’s anthem to honour Moldova before their tie with Belgium in Sydney in January. “We are sincerely sorry and have apologised personally to #TeamMoldova.”

Most helpful use of sport to explain politics

Explaining what happened on US election night, and on the nights after, through the medium of Troy Deeney.

pic.twitter.com/85FY3B8IBM

— More Than A Game (@MTAGpodcast) November 4, 2020

Most reassuring headline in an otherwise changing world

Came on 30 July: “Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces Swiss criminal proceedings.” Infantino denies wrongdoing. See also: “Infantino joins $3m club” and “Madagascar FA boss ‘goes missing with €25m’”.

Plus: most telegraphed twist

2017: Ahmad Ahmad wins Africa’s confederation presidency on an anti-corruption ticket as “Africa’s candidate for change … This is sweet victory, thanks to God. I’m the only one who dared present a candidacy for change. Now I’m vying to bring it.” Gianni Infantino: “Ahmad works body and soul for football. He’ll fit into our team.”
2020: Ahmad banned for five years for alleged bribery, abuse of staff and spending CAF money on cars. He denies wrongdoing.

Award for dogged persistence

As live tweeted by @StevenageFC in January:
45+1’ – Ben Nugent attempts a right-footed volley from inside the Northampton box. Throw-in. 0-0 #WeAreStevenage”; “45+2’ – Charlie Goode shoots from thirty yards. Car park. 0-0 #WeAreStevenage.”

Best transfer announcement video

Bologna, September:

🚨 OFFICIAL 🚨

They thought he was a myth, they hunted high and low, they believed he would appear. Now, he's here and he's real 🦕💪

Our Flower of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/4v7OipkWQ2

— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) September 24, 2020

Worst journalism

Still demanding better press standards in Italy: Brescia owner Massimo Cellino, 2 February, issuing a statement “categorically denying” media reports that he plans to sack coach Eugenio Corini for the second time inside one season. “We go forward together, with even greater commitment, and with more positivity.” 5 Feb: Sacks him.

Best extended metaphor about boats

12 Nov: Nice chairman Jean-Pierre Rivère says fans should lay off Patrick Vieira because “when we are in a boat, in the middle of the sea, we must row together, in one direction, to sail to our solution. We hear what fans say, we’re not deaf, but our role is clear: to support all those in our boat.” 4 Dec: “We thank Patrick for his hard work.”

Best parenting

Chris Broad, match referee for the England v Pakistan series, fining son Stuart £2,000 for bad language in August. Broad junior was sanctioned after an “exchange of words” with Yasir Shah; his father also added a demerit point to his disciplinary record.

Most sick of being asked

Ajax youth coach Tinus van Teunenbroek, unsurprised in May after FC Cincinnati mistakenly used his photo as they unveiled new manager Jaap Stam. “Often on vacation people shout: ‘Hey, that’s Jaap Stam.’ Really, it happens to me a lot.”

Also struggling online

This year’s other top corporate social media missteps:
a) @chelseaFC, late in January’s transfer window with fans burning for a signing, announcing a shirt sponsor: “You wait 24 days for a signing, then Three come along at once... @ThreeUK #Ch3lsea.”
b) @FCBarcelona, upbeat as they identified the real story on 1 December: “ALL ABOUT A RECORD DAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Tribute to Diego Maradona breaks records on FC Barcelona’s social media.”
And c) @ManUtd, as fans railed against £14.95 PPV fees, using a crying laughing emoji with the question “where are you watching #newmun from?”. As replies stacked up, they deleted it.

Coolest head

Seven-year-old snooker fan Jamie, clearing the table in January.

Absolutely love this clearance from the pup. The pink to black was another lever. @markwil147 #Snooker #lovingIt pic.twitter.com/xNdujs4d90

— Ben Williams (@Benwillz7) January 24, 2020

Most tense atmosphere

Was the aftermath of triathlete Mirinda Carfrae losing the virtual Ironman VR Pro Challenge when her husband tripped over the power cable of her smart bike. Carfrae: “He decided to bring my trophies in here and when he walked round the back he kicked out the plug. What an idiot.”

Best use of a lengthy VAR delay

Apply critical theory to it then live-tweet your findings. One sample from @daisychristo’s 23-tweet thread from the London Stadium in February: “This aspect of VAR reminds me of nothing so much as German Higher Biblical criticism. If we apply the latest scientific & technological tools to the excavation of Biblical meaning, we’ll get closer to what God meant. Or we might just blow up the foundations on which it all rests.”

Best show of decency

In a year that needed more of it: triathlete Diego Mentrida stopping on the line in September to let James Teagle win after Teagle took a wrong turn 100m from the finish. “He just read the signs wrong,” said Mentrida. “So I had to stop. He deserved it.”

Accidental Partridge moment of the year

From October. Still amazing, even when you know what’s coming.

#AccidentalPartridge pic.twitter.com/jXHTD8adEo

— Accidental Partridge (@AccidentalP) October 10, 2020

Biggest non-virus attention seekers

Headlining 12 months of animal cameos:

1) A stray cat coming fourth in September’s Balkan U20 Championship 100m in Istanbul;
2) Local alpaca Oscar slowly pitch-invading Carlton Athletic v Ilkley Town in September;
3) A Brazil women’s training game in September held up when a parrot landed on Bruna Benites.

Parrot lands on head of Brazilian footballer during practice match – video


4) A stray dog taking a free-kick in a televised game in Turkey, being chased off then returning for more;
5) “Multiple ants” taking against Brazil’s Jacuipense goalkeeper Jordan after he rolled into their hill during a game at Ferroviário;
And 6) A wasp getting stuck into snooker referee Ben Williams at the Masters back in January after being picked off the table during Jack Lisowski v Kyren Wilson. Five days later the final was also disrupted by what Dennis Taylor called a “not very funny” fart box left on a seat.

A pitch-invading dog earned praise for its ball skills from a live TV commentator after it held up play in a professional Turkish soccer match https://t.co/V2KJ8Jwfor pic.twitter.com/4BneYQ10Kw

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 17, 2020

Biggest personal renaissance

Came for Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty: cleared by police in February of punching a teenager who patted him on the head during a meet-and-greet, ending the year as a globally-recognised antifa, anti-Trump icon. Highs included starring on a Four Seasons Total Landscaping T-shirt, and Gritty as Olenna Tyrell from Game of Thrones.

The person who created this, is right up there with Michaelangelo. pic.twitter.com/WoyYux2QfF

— 🇺🇸 Later Traitor! 🇺🇸 You lost! (@IskraDavidPhoto) November 6, 2020

Sharpest instincts

Ruthless from Robbie Keane’s four‑year-old son Hudson, mascot at Middlesborough v Spurs in January. Unable to ignore the ball on the centre circle during the formal pre-match photo, Hudson booted it, dribbled slowly downfield, scored slowly, then stared down the crowd.

Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters

And the purest pre-pandemic emotions

Came in Japan back in January: 29-stone sumo minnow Tokushōryū Makoto bursting into tears of joy after sealing a shock title victory. “Maybe I cried too much,” he reflected later. “But deep down I was feeling like: ‘Is it OK for me to win this championship?’ I was the lowest-ranked... It all feels like a dream. I just don’t feel like myself. I feel like I’m walking on clouds.”

Tokushoryu: “I feel like I’m walking on clouds” Photograph: Kyodo

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