Rob Burrow’s tragic family slams ‘shameful’ New Year’s knighthood snub for rugby legend and MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield

Rob Burrow’s father has criticized the “shameful” New Year’s honors system after MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield was denied a knighthood once again.

Geoff Burrow has called for the rugby legend to become ‘Sir Kev’ for his grueling charity challenges in honor of his late teammate Rob.

The couple, who played for Leeds Rhinos, raised £16million together after Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 at the age of 41.

Last month, Kevin, 44, also ran seven ultramarathons in seven days, adding another seven-figure sum to the pot following Rob’s death in June.

He was awarded a CBE last year and Whitehall sources have suggested the honors cannot be improved for at least three years.

However, Geoff has now called for the rules to be bypassed and renewed calls for the rugby legend to be given a knighthood.

He told The Mirror: “It’s disgraceful that Kevin has been overlooked for the knighthood again.”

“Never mind the ‘rules’, have Kevin knighted.”

Geoff Burrow (pictured) has called for the rugby legend to be knighted for his grueling charity challenges in honor of his late teammate Rob.

Kevin Sinfield is shown carrying his friend, the late Rob Burrow, to the finish line before dying.

Rob Burrow (second from left) with (left to right) father Geoff Burrow, his wife Lindsey and mother Irene.

It comes as fans and other familiar faces in the sport have expressed their dismay at Kevin’s omission from the New Year’s honors list.

Martin Johnston, a former semi-professional footballer who was diagnosed with MND in August 2018, posted images of Kevin and Gareth Southgate on X.

He wrote: “One was paid £5 million a year to beat teams like Slovakia in extra time but ultimately failed.

‘The other has risked his body to raise more than £11 million in honor of his friend and the MND community who desperately need treatments.

‘Guess who has been awarded the Knighthood?’

In the past, Sinfield has played down rumors that he deserves a knighthood, insisting that the Government should focus on continuing to fund research into motor neurone diseases.

He said in 2021: “It’s really nice, but I’d rather the government keep funding the MND and try to find a cure.”

‘It’s not about that (the honours). The big driver is the Rob Burrow Care Center in Leeds. It’s really important to all of us. The sooner we can open it, the better.

Sinfield and Burrow previously starred together in Rugby League for Leeds Rhinos

Burrow (pictured with his wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year Honors List

However, his followers on social media continue to disagree.

One posted: “The fact that Kevin Sinfield and John Burkhill continue to be overlooked for knighthood is a national disgrace.”

‘How on earth hasn’t Kevin Sinfield been knighted in the honors list and Gareth Southgate has? Amazing,” commented another.

His former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.

When Kevin took part in the grueling challenge for his late friend in December, the Prince and Princess of Wales sent him a message of support.

Prince William took to social media to film a touching clip of himself and Kate Middleton, as he wished the England rugby coach “good luck.”

“Kevin Catherine and I just want to wish you the best of luck in what will be a very grueling week raising money and awareness for MNE,” William said in the video shared on X.

‘What you and Rob have achieved has been incredible. It’s a very fitting tribute to his legacy, which you’re achieving again this week.

I’m sure you’ll be thinking about him all the time, so best of luck from Catherine and me. We will be thinking about you all week. Good luck.’

Sinfield (left) and Burrow (right) played together for Leeds Rhinos, and their bond became even stronger after Burrow’s diagnosis.

Kevin Sinfield, with Rob Burrow, interviewed at Headingley Stadium after completing the Extra Mile Challenge from Leicester to Leeds on 23 November 2021.

Earlier this summer, William and Kate led moving tributes to inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone sufferer Rob, who died aged 41.

The official X account of Prince William and Princess Kate posted a touching message and expressed their condolences to the family of the brave legend.

The post said: “Rob Burrow, a Rugby League legend, had a big heart.”

‘He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.’ “Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.” It was signed with a W for William.

In January, the Prince of Wales honored Rob for his charitable efforts, telling him “we are all so proud of you” as he visited Headingley Stadium in Leeds to present the rugby legend with his CBE.

The royal also presented Rob with the medal, still in its box, while praising the former athlete’s legacy and efforts in his campaign.

“Thank you and congratulations for all the inspiring work you’ve done, Rob,” Prince William said as the sports icon was surrounded by his beaming wife and children. “You’ve been amazing, you really have and everyone is so proud of you.”

‘We have all been following your case. You have changed the lives of many people with MND with what you have done. We are all very proud of you.