“I’m delighted that so many people thought I deserved a knighthood and sad that it can be blocked for something I didn’t do”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has revealed that he was “sad” after not being bestowed with his knighthood.
Boycott has never been knighted since he was convicted of punching his former girlfriend, Margaret Moore, in the face at a hotel in France 18 years ago. But, even though Boycott claimed that he never laid a hand on Moore, he was handed a three-month suspended sentence and a £5,000 fine.
According to The Telegraph, numerous MPs, including Home Secretary Theresa May, had voted in favour of knighting Boycott. However, the move was halted by the Cabinet Office due to the 18-year-old conviction.
“I’m delighted that so many people thought I deserved a knighthood and sad that it can be blocked for something I didn’t do,” Boycott said via his Twitter account. “Unfortunately, 18 yrs ago I was wrongly accused.
“I tried to clear my name in France but under Napoleonic law once accused you are guilty until you can definitively prove your innocence. This is the opposite of English Law. I have to live with this injustice – and I do.
“I am frank and forthright but don’t have and never will have a history of violence. Thank you again to all my supporters.”