Gary Lineker slices hand open on Sports Personality of the Year trophy as co … – Daily Mail

BBC Sports Personality of the Year presenter Gary Lineker started his night in strange fashion, cutting his hand on the trophy just seconds after walking on to the stage.

The Match of the Day stalwart was tasked with carrying the main award out at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Sunday night, but he appeared to slice his hand open on one of its sharp edges.

Undeterred, the former England striker carried on, making light of the situation as he spoke at the beginning of the show. 

Gary Lineker speaks to the camera after cutting his hand on the Sports Personality of the Year trophy

Co-host Gabby Logan (right) joked that Lineker, who also presents Match of the Day, ‘bleeds for the BBC’

A close-up of Lineker’s hand reveals a worrying cut, which was quickly cleaned up by medical staff

‘Just who is going to win this coveted prize, which I’ve cut my finger on,’ he said. ‘I’m bleeding everywhere!’

A large cut was seen on the 55-year-old’s hand as he lifted it to the camera, while co-host Gabby Logan joked: ‘He literally bleeds for the BBC.’ 

Shortly after Lineker had completed his first piece-to-camera, the show cut to a montage and he left the stage to receive medical treatment.

He returned a short time after to continue with the rest of the show, but did not appear to have a bandage on the cut.

Lineker (centre) appears to wince as he carries the main SPOTY trophy on to the stage in Belfast on Sunday

Lineker (centre) then looks down at his left hand, which suffered a bloody cut just seconds into the show

When the presenters had reached their position on the stage, Lineker (centre) again looked down at his hand

Andy Murray is odds-on favourite to win the award on Sunday night, and should he win the British No 1 will be hoping to avoid a hand injury of his own, with the Australian Open just weeks away.

Other nominees include controversial heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, and Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton. 

Most of the 12 nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year award can surely claim to have shed blood, sweat and tears for their respective sport… but Lineker will not have expected to join them with the former.