After courting controversy over Brexit, former Prime Minister Theresa May has once again managed to divide public opinion and give way to a heated debate by adding Geoffrey Boycott to her resignation honours list.
Sir Geoffrey (78), who was given a three-month suspended sentence and a £5,100 fine after being convicted in 1998 of punching his then-girlfriend Margaret Moore at a hotel in the South of France, but to this day maintains his innocence, said of the backlash that he “couldn’t give a toss” and that it was 25 years ago.
Women’s Aid alongside Spice Girls star Mel B who branded him a “disgrace to Yorkshire”, both said that he should be stripped of this title.
“Perpetrators of domestic abuse shouldn’t be held up as heroes EVER,” said Mel B.
Emma Downey took to the streets of Manchester to let the people have their say.
Thanos (Manchester) said: “My opinion is that the knighthood should not be awarded to a convicted women abuser.
“I can understand that he is a cricketing legend, but the fact that he was found guilty in a court of law is very important even if it was 25 years ago.
“I strongly believe that he doesn’t deserve a knighthood.”
Emma (Worcestershire) believes it wouldn’t be setting a good example “even though it was in the past people don’t forget.”
Brian (Manchester) was of a similar mindset: “I don’t think he should be allowed a knighthood,” he said.
“No-one should ever fall foul to domestic abuse.”
Joan (Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire) said: “What he said about not giving a toss is quite right as he was meant to be interviewed about his cricket. It was 25 years ago and this is for his cricketing – live and let live. The BBC is biased.”
Becky (Darwen): “He shouldn’t be stripped of it because it’s for his cricket.”
Jack (Stockport) said: “I don’t know. It’s a hard one because he has maintained his innocence throughout.
“Actually yes – give him the knighthood.”
Isobel (25) from Prestwich: “I don’t think that people in a position of power should be allowed to keep their position after treating other humans (or animals) in a way that is unfair – they have a responsibility socially to set an example and needs to be visible and that when they act out of line they are punished too.”
Upon then realising Sir Geoffrey was convicted over 20 years ago Isobel added “Oh wait – I didn’t realise this was 25 years ago.
“In honesty, I think with that amount of time passing, yeah he’s done wrong, but at some point a sin becomes irrelevant with that much time.”
Jameal (23) from Halifax was straight to the point with a firm “no” he shouldn’t be stripped of the title.
