GB News' Anne Diamond criticised over ‘unforgivable’ Emma Raducanu remark

GB News presenter Anne Diamond has faced backlash after she criticised tennis star Emma Raducanu for pulling out of her Wimbledon mixed doubles match with Andy Murray. Anne said that the sportswoman's actions were "unforgiveable" as she said that she felt "shattered by it".

The 21-year-old tennis champ announced on Saturday that she had dropped out from the tennis competition due to an ongoing health issue. She cited stiffness in her right wrist as she said: "Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning".

She continued: "I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles. I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but I've got to take care."

However, her decision meant that Andy Murray, 37, was denied one last hurrah as his final Championships match was cancelled. Instead, his defeat alongside his brother Jamie in the men’s double on Thursday 4 July would now be recognised as his last ever match, before retiring later this year.

GB News star Anne Diamond was devastated by the news. She said: “I’m shattered by it, I really am. Just speaking as a fan, I was really looking forward to it.

"I also see it as a giant snub from a young girl, who has got a future ahead of her yes, but he is the king of Wimbledon. I’m not rooting for her anymore.

"I’m so sorry, I was yesterday. I was so keen and absolutely behind her, and now this."

She added: “To me, this is like Rishi Sunak going back from the D-Day beaches early. I think it’s unforgivable.”

However, social media users thought that Anne's comments were uncalled for as they rushed to support Emma. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: "All this crap about Emma letting Andy down. He wasn’t fit enough to play his own singles.

"Then made his brother sacrifice his doubles tournament. Anyway it’s her job for him to have a swan song at #Wimbledon."

A second said: "Emma has to put her own Wimbledon ambitions first. I usually like Anne Diamond but this was an ill informed comment."

Another user posted: "Leave the poor girl alone. Murray retired before, then came back, had [a] huge reception on Thursday night so he can have no complaints. Just hope Emma has switched off to all this unwarranted hate."

Someone else wrote: "Anne Diamond is despicable. Emma is 21 and at the start of her career. With physical issues she has every right to preserve her ability to function in this tournament.

"Murray is at the end, and he had his day, he had his celebrations and a doubles match teamed with his brother."