Laura Woods slams Man Utd chief who made award win ‘awkward’ for Alessia Russo
Manchester United Foundation CEO John Shiels MBE has issued an apology after being called out for his "awkward" interaction with Alessia Russo by Laura Woods.
Shiels was tasked with presenting the women's Goal of the Season award, which Russo won, at United's end of the season ceremony last night (May 29). After carrying it on stage, he said: "I'm not going to give this to Alessia because it is so heavy. I've just been in a weight training session."
Sky Sports presenter Geoff Shreeves, who was compering the night, interrupted as Shiels appeared to try and pass it to someone on the side of the stage, looking at Russo and saying: "I think you can take it quite happily can't you?"
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As Russo took the award off him, Shiels could be heard saying: "Hold it, careful." Shreeves attempted to make light of the situation, adding: "John, I think you need to do a bit more weight training, it's not that heavy."
Russo laughed it off too as she said: "It is quite heavy." Shiels then replied: "Want me to take it? Are you sure?"
A clip of the moment soon began circulating on social media, with Woods amongst those criticising Shiels. She tweeted: "How to make a great moment really b****y awkward."
What did you make of the incident? Let us know in the comments section.
Shiels responded to the backlash by posting a statement which read: "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.
"I alerted Alessia to the weight of the trophy because I was shocked by how heavy it felt, and would have done the same if presenting to a male player.
"I simply did not want her to drop it. However, on reflection, I can see why the comment has been misconstrued.
"Female empowerment is at the heart of Manchester United Foundation’s work, with almost 10,000 girls and young women taking part in our programmes annually.
"I’m proud of this work and upset that my remarks created a distraction from the fantastic achievements of Alessia and the women’s team this season."
Russo, meanwhile, was also named Player of the Season, with Hannah Blundell winning the players' vote. For the men's team, Marcus Rashford scooped both awards.
Antony won the Goal of the Season award for Erik ten Hag's side for his effort against Barcelona in the Europa League.
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