UK Athletics head coach Charles van Commenee has hit out at claims that he is the 'senior figure' who branded Jessica Ennis fat.

The European heptathlon champion's coach Toni Minichiello revealed in an interview carried out in November that the 26-year-old has been accused of carrying too much weight by an unnamed person.

"I find it strange," said Van Commenee. "I understand the concern that has been revealed almost across the nation because there are some young people who may read things into that which may jeopardise their health. So I can see that context.

"I was surprised to read it because it hasn't been brought to my attention before. I can imagine that people think there can be only one person who can fire those "silver bullets" as they were described and that fits my profile.

"But I can guarantee you that is not the case. I have never called Jessica Ennis fat simply because there is no reason for it. What other people may have said, I have no clue."

Ennis has responded to the claims by insisting that she is in fine shape and would not want the criticism to affect other young females.