Mary Earps, the Lioness goalkeeper and World Cup finalist, has responded to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) row with a lighthearted TikTok video, while fans continue to show their support. Earps, 30, won the prestigious award on Tuesday after receiving the highest number of public votes. She is only the second female footballer to be crowned, following in the footsteps of her Lionesses teammate Beth Mead. The win also marks the third consecutive year that a woman has claimed the SPOTY title, a feat not seen since the 1960s.

Fun TikToks and Mixed Opinions

In response to the mixed reactions surrounding her victory, Earps shared humorous TikToks on social media. In one video, she is seen sitting next to a couple on a plane who are reading a newspaper article about her win, unaware of her presence. In another post, she can be seen dancing with her trophy. Despite the criticism, Earps has received an outpouring of support from her fans.

Controversial Comments from Joey Barton and Piers Morgan

Not everyone was pleased with Earps' win. Joey Barton, a former footballer, questioned why she was chosen over other champions in different sports. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan argued that Earps should not have been eligible for the award because she had not "actually won something." However, their comments did not dampen the goalkeeper's spirits.

Overwhelming Support from Fans

Earps has been flooded with messages of support from her fans. Many praised her as an inspiration and a role model, not just for young girls and women, but for anyone striving to achieve their goals in life. The goalkeeper, who considered quitting football two years ago, graciously accepted her award, expressing gratitude for the people who have supported her throughout her journey.

Overall, Mary Earps has shown resilience and a sense of humor in the face of criticism, while her fans continue to celebrate her well-deserved victory as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.