Ballon d’Or organisers apologise after only men get questions at Kane press conference

The Ballon d’Or organising team has apologised after only male journalists were selected to ask Harry Kane questions at his post-awards press conference, according to BBC Sport. The incident followed Monday night’s ceremony at the London Palladium, where Kane and Alexia Putellas received the men’s and women’s main awards respectively.

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BBC Sport reported that several female journalists appeared to have their attempts to question Kane ignored. Putellas and Kane addressed the media at separate press conferences after receiving their awards. The report confirmed an apology from the Ballon d’Or team but did not set out any changes to how questions would be allocated at future events.

The ceremony was the first London edition in the awards’ 70-year history. It began at 20:45 GMT, 45 minutes later than scheduled, after traffic problems and large crowds near the entrance delayed guests. BBC Sport reported that nearby Oxford Street had become traffic-free that day, adding to the difficulties surrounding access to the venue.

Once proceedings began, hosts Kate Scott and Thierry Henry had to pause on several occasions as audience members shouted players’ names. The ceremony lasted almost two and a half hours, and the BBC also reported booing during commercial breaks. Those interruptions followed the delayed arrival of significant numbers of guests.

Outside, hundreds of people gathered to see players arriving on the red carpet. BBC Sport journalists witnessed people climbing security barriers, as well as fencing being broken and pulled down. Security staff removed several people who had got through the perimeter. The broadcaster said social-media footage appeared to show confrontations involving fans, security and police; it had approached the Metropolitan Police for comment.

The event had already drawn attention before it began because the official website published prepared winner articles about Kane and other contenders. A spokesperson told BBC Sport the articles had appeared accidentally and had been prepared for every nominee, rather than representing an announcement of the results or rankings.

There was also an error on the awards’ official social-media accounts after Putellas won. A congratulatory post combined her first name with fellow nominee Bonmati’s surname. BBC Sport reported that the post was subsequently deleted.