BBC SPORT | ATHLETICS | Coe and Christie clash again

British greats Sebastian Coe and Linford Christie reopened their year-long war of words over the future of athletics live on BBC radio on Friday.

Whilst Coe was being interviewed by Simon Mayo on Radio 5 Live, Christie launched a scathing attack via telephone on comments made by the former Conservative MP in a newspaper last year.

The pair have endured a long-standing feud stemming from Christie alleging that athletics was "corrupt".

Coe - now Lord Coe - hit back, accusing the former Olympic 100m champion of "boorish" behaviour during his time as captain of the British team.

Sebastian Coe says Christie should do some 'soul searching'
Coe accused Christie of "boorish behaviour"
After interrupting the radio interview, Christie accused Coe of "misinterpreting" his initial comments.

The 1992 Olympic champion denied he had cast doubt on the integrity of the sport in Britain - insisting his criticism was aimed at the International Amateur Athletics Federation.

Christie tested positive for nandrolone in 1999 - after retiring - and was banned by the IAAF, despite protesting his innocence.

"All I want to say is that you were totally misinformed and I just want you to say you are sorry," Christie said.

"My problem is with the IAAF because they banned me for something I didn't do.

British athletics is not corrupt, the volunteers who help out are not corrupt.

Seb Coe

"For a man in your position and a man in my position this wasn't needed.

"You misinterpreted my comments and your article was misinformed."

But Coe refused to offer an apology, insisting his remarks were considered and justified.

"I wasn't misinformed," he said. "I had your comments in front of me when I wrote what I consider to be a well-thought-out piece.

"British athletics is not corrupt, the volunteers who help out are not corrupt.

"I want my children to take up athletics."


	^^ Back to top
	Front Page \| Football \| Cricket \| Rugby Union \| Rugby League \| Tennis \| Golf \| Motorsport \| Boxing \| Athletics \| Other Sports \| Sports Talk \| In Depth \| Photo Galleries \| Audio/Video \| TV & Radio \| BBC Pundits \| Question of Sport \| Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> \| BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII\|News Sources\|Privacy