Alessia Russo won Goal of the Season at Manchester United's annual awards show on Monday evening, but the on-stage presentation of the trophy has come under heavy criticism.
The 24-year-old England international, who was also named Player of the Season after helping United to a best-ever finish in the Women’s Super League, was recognised for her stoppage-time header against Arsenal.
Millie Turner equalised in the 85th minute in front of over 40,000 fans at the Emirates to make it 2-2 before Russo bagged a dramatic winner to seal a remarkable comeback.
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Seven months later and presenter Geoff Shreeves asked Russo at Monday's ceremony whether she remembered the moment. “Looking back at it, I’m not sure about the celebration," she laughed.
“It was incredible and to get the three points away at the Emirates, and we had huge support as always in the away end and it was right in front of them, so it was great.”
She added: “The direction of women’s football in this country right now is incredible.”
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Moments later and Russo was presented with the Goal of the Season award after winning 28 per cent of the fan vote, although the man handing out the trophy has been criticised for his comments.
After walking on stage with the award, he said: “I’m not going to give this to Alessia because it’s *so* heavy. I’ve just been in a weight training session.”
Then, with caution, he passed the trophy over to Russo. “I think you can take it quite happily, can’t you?” Shreeves said, before adding: "John, you need to do a bit more weight training."
Here's how social media reacted to the scene.
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One fan said: "We still have a long way to go," while another wrote: "Embarrassing. You can clearly see how uncomfortable Alessia is with his ‘joke’."
A third commented: "Casual sexism at a moment when she should be celebrated. Such a poor way to treat our own player," while a fourth said: "What a ridiculous comment to make. Even in jest, it's still cringe and awkward. Lessi handled it well but no. Awkward, don't do that again."
A fifth added: "Russo has helped lift a swathe of silly dark-age notions off the shoulders of female footballers everywhere this year (not to mention the 56 trophy-less years off English football’s shoulders). But sure, let’s question whether she can handle a glass bulb. Really poor."
TalkSPORT presenter Laura Woods also commented on the moment, saying: "How to make a great moment really bloody awkward."
John Shiels, the CEO of Manchester United Foundation, has since commented on the incident and apologised to Alessia, her teammates, and anyone else offended.
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"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," he said in a statement.
"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 in our local community, with almost 10,000 girls and young women taking part in our programmes annually.
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"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."
During his 15 years as CEO, of the Manchester United Foundation, Shiels has put female empowerment at the heart of MU Foundation’s strategy, giving girls and young women the opportunities and skills to achieve their goals.
Featured Image Credit: MUTV/Twitter - @ConnerRoberts_Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Womens Football, Arsenal
