Professional golfer Ian Poulter has faced a barrage of criticism after tweeting that Rory McIlroy deserved to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014 more than fellow Stevenage star Lewis Hamilton.

The Comet: Newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014 Lewis Hamilton with his brother Nicolas in Abu Dhabi after winning the championship [Picture: Mercedes-Benz]Newly crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014 Lewis Hamilton with his brother Nicolas in Abu Dhabi after winning the championship [Picture: Mercedes-Benz] (Image: Mercedes-Benz)

After the result was announced yesterday evening, which saw Formula 1 star Hamilton come out on top with the world number one golfer McIlroy finishing second, Poulter said: “Absolutely ridiculous that @McIlroyRory has not won Sports Personality 2014. Huge respect to @LewisHamilton but come on.”

The two-time World Golf Championship winner and former Barclay School pupil also tweeted: “@BBCSPOTY has turned into a complete joke. It’s such a great shame. Huge congrats to @LewisHamilton, but he had one person to beat all year.”

This led to many people stating that Stevenage-born Hamilton, who won his second Formula 1 world title last month, deserved it more.

Lee Michael tweeted back: “All he did was hit a tiny ball around. Grow up you child. Stropping because your friend lost.”

Laura Leslie said: “I didn’t have you down as the bitter type Ian. People prefer Lewis. Get over it.”

However some members of the public did jump to his defence.

Paul Gibbs said: “Controversial statement Mr Poulter but totally agree.”

In response Poulter tweeted: “Lot of angry people on my time line... Unfortunately as long as SPOTY continues to be a public vote then this will continue to happen!”

He added: “Ok everyone. You voted, I disagree, I think we are all over it. Hahahahaha we all have opinions. I congratulated @LewisHamilton either way.

“I must say I’m very sorry for having an opinion.”