MANCHESTER UNITED'S charity chief executive is embroiled in a sexism storm – with fans claiming he suggested Alessia Russo was not strong enough to lift her award.
Russo was crowned Women's Player of the Year at the end-of-season gala on Monday.
She scored 12 goals for the Red Devils as they were pipped to the WSL title by Chelsea on the final day.
But the England ace, who was the subject of a world-record bid from Arsenal amid contract uncertainty, appeared unimpressed when she received the gong.
That was because Manchester United Foundation boss John Shiels suggested Russo – who he appeared to call "Alexa" – would be unable to hold the "heavy" trophy.
In a video circulated online, Shiels says: "I'm not going to give this trophy to Alessia because it's so heavy.
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"I've just been in a weight-training session."
But Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, hosting the night, quickly interjected.
Shreeves cut in: "I think you (Russo) can take it quite happily can't you?"
He then added to Shiels, who kept holding on to the glass ball as he eventually passed it over: "John, you need to do a bit more weight training, it's not that heavy."
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A polite Russio then confirms: "It's fine. Yep."
The video has led to widespread criticism aimed at Shiels – including from talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods.
Woods said: "How to make a great moment really bloody awkward."
Another wrote: "Second hand embarrassment from this. Alessia looks so uncomfortable and embarrassed. Unfortunately still people out there who treat female athletes differently. Such an unnecessary comment to make."
A third added: "These are our players… we should be protecting them not adding to the misogyny and sexist comments that they already have to live with."
A fourth replied: "That was really unprofessional and an absolute embarrassment."
A fifth commented: "Casual sexism at a moment when she should be celebrated. Such a poor way to treat our own player."
And a final user typed: "Yikes. She handled it so well, but what a mess."
'I AM MORTIFIED'
Shiels apologised to Russo and clarified his misjudged comments.
He said: "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 team-mates, 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.
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"Female empowerment is at the heart of Manchester United Foundation’s work in our local community, 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."
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