After inviting a convicted paedophile to a game at Old Trafford last year, Manchester United was forced to issue an apology. Geoff Konopka, who oversaw United's women's squad from 1983 until 2001, had been imprisoned, but it seems like Man United was unaware of this.
Konopka received an invitation to United's Women's Super League match against Everton in March 2022 at Old Trafford, which was the first time the female squad competed there in front of spectators. There were more than 20,000 people present, including many families with young children.
Despite the Football Association's safeguarding system putting an "active suspension" on Konopka, prohibiting him from coaching or working with any team, United even paid tribute to him by including him in the Old Trafford museum. Additionally, former United players have called for an apology for labelling the sacked coach a "hero" and even referred to the team as a "misogynistic" and "woman-hating club."
The club issued a statement saying, “The club has taken appropriate action after receiving this information and will have no further connection with the individual. Manchester United expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the victims and all those affected by these abhorrent crimes.” The club has informed the legal and football authorities "as a matter of urgency" and has announced that they have now severed all connections with the 79-year-old.
In 2011, Konopka was sentenced to four years in jail after being found guilty of 19 counts of gross indecency and indecent assault against minors under the age of 16 and 14.
