Manchester United Foundation CEO issues apology after awkward joke at end-of-season awards

Manchester United Foundation chief executive John Shiels has issued an apology to Alessia Russo following a trophy weight joke he made while presenting the Manchester United star with an award on Monday night.

The England international won Manchester United Women’s Goal of the Year and was given a trophy at the end-of-season awards ceremony. That was when John Shiels, CEO of the Manchester United Foundation, suggested the award may have been too heavy for her to handle.

While there has been comments made in the past about the weight and size of trophies, and I don’t think that part is offensive, you need to check out the video below of Sheils’ speech to make a true judgement of your own.

My problem is with the cringey and awkward delivery of the speech. How Sheils emphasises the weight of the award to make it sound like Russo couldn’t carry it.

Anyhow, at least he has apologised.

Shiels tweeted“Last night I had the honour of presenting Alessia Russo with the Women’s Goal of the Season award at the Manchester United end-of-season awards ceremony.

“I made a comment about the weight of the trophy which I know has caused offence. I am mortified by this and want to apologise to Alessia, her teammates, and anyone else offended.”

We are sure that John didn’t mean the offence caused. He simply pays the price for not reading the room.

Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.

More Stories Alessia Russo Manchester United