“A pathetic, thoughtless message” – Burrow’s father hits back at criticism of Sinfield carrying Burrow over finish line

The images and videos of the incredible moment that Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow completed the Leeds Marathon have been seen worldwide.

It was an incredibly emotional moment to watch so for those there it must have been truly special.

Sinfield pushed his best mate Burrow around the 26.2 mile course for the first ever Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, but stopped yards shy of the line to carry his friend and former teammate over.

He has since revealed what the reason behind that was and it’s not just because he wanted to share that emotional moment with his mate in his arms.

“As soon as I knew this was going ahead and I knew we were going to push him, I thought if he’s fit and able try and get him to walk over, and clearly it’s been a big day for him.

“It was only right we went over together. I didn’t want him beating me, if he had gone over in the chair in front of me he would have got a faster time so it meant we got the same time.”

Sinfield carried his mate across the line so as not to get beaten highlighting that competitive brotherhood that still exists between the pair, something he’d earlier alluded to when describing the day.

“It’s been incredible; we’ve had a real laugh. Certainly the best thing I’ve done in my life. I think to do it with him and see the support, the impact he’s had on so many people has been amazing.”

I’m sure this had the best intentions as an act of friendship but… it’s classic non-disabled gaze. A wheelchair is the dignified way to move when you can’t walk, not a horrible thing to escape. Being lifted out of it and carried makes most of us (not all!) wince at the thought. https://t.co/UstSY0hwzI

— Frances Ryan (@DrFrancesRyan) May 14, 2023

However, as ever there has been some criticism of the moment.

Guardian columnist and a voice for people with disabilities in the media Frances Ryan has criticised the moment taking to Twitter to say:

“I’m sure this had the best intentions as an act of friendship but… it’s classic non-disabled gaze. A wheelchair is the dignified way to move when you can’t walk, not a horrible thing to escape. Being lifted out of it and carried makes most of us (not all!) wince at the thought.”

Now Burrow’s father Geoff has responded to this saying:

“What a pathetic thoughtless message 🥲 That’s my Son, and his wonderful friend Kevin, you are messaging about !! PLEASE DONT REPLY – perhaps try to be a kinder person.”

What a pathetic thoughtless message 🥲 That’s my Son, and his wonderful friend Kevin, you are messaging about !! PLEASE DONT REPLY – perhaps try to be a kinder person.

— Geoff Burrow (@burrow_geoff) May 16, 2023