Manchester United have once again found themselves under fire and have been forced to apologise after reportedly inviting convicted paedophile, Geoff Konopka, along to a game as a ‘special guest’.
The former Man United Women’s manager was part of the club from 1983 to 2001 but went on to be sentenced to four years in prison back in 2011 after being found guilty on 19 counts of indecent assault and gross indecency against girls aged under 16 and 14.
Konopka was subsequently put on the sex offenders’ register for a decade but according to a report by The Times, just a couple of years after his stint on the register ended, the 79-year-old was invited along to a Women’s Super League fixture at Old Trafford in March last season and as a ‘special guest’, no less.
The game against Everton is just one of a handful of women’s fixtures that have been played at United’s home ground since the team was restarted in 2018 and was attended by thousands of women and young girls. People have been understandably sickened to learn of the news.
This is horrendous, Manchester United made convicted paedophile Geoff Konopka 'guest of honour' at Old Trafford + celebrated his career despite him being banned from the game: Club 'were unaware ex-women's coach got four years for offences against girls'https://t.co/90YniCP9bO
United insist they were unaware their ‘guest of honour’ was a convicted paedophile.
As the piece goes on to explain, despite Konopka still having an “active suspension” under the FA‘s safeguarding system, which bans him from working or coaching with any team, the club has continued to commemorate his career and featured him in a display at the Old Trafford museum.
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In fact, even this past July, the disgraced coach was used in promotional material published on the club’s website to shine a light on the women’s team and their journey to the modern-day WSL.
Speaking to several former players from the previous United women’s squads who first alerted the club to Konopka’s convictions, the outlet learned that several emails were written to safeguarding co-ordinators, expressing their “shock” and “disgust” at seeing him not only immortalised by the club but invited back along to games in such a casual fashion.
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All this comes as the club has already spent the last few months in hot water following the Mason Greenwood controversy and, more recently, the ongoing allegations against another winger after 23-year-old Antony has been accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend on multiple occasions.
The former female players demanded a public apology from the club for presenting Konopka as the “hero” behind their sporting achievements, insisting that former victims and members have had “their moments tainted by this disgusting human”.
Multiple sources also disputed United’s portrayal of how well the women’s squad were treated, going so far as to describe it as a “misogynistic” and “woman-hating club” that refused to even provide them with footballs to train with or proper kits during many matches in the 1980s and 90s.
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A former defender said in one of the emails following ‘Konopka’s Reds’ being featured on the club site: “The women’s game is ever evolving and there are a lot of vulnerable girls wanting to pursue their dreams who will be reading and looking at your website and possibly looking at him as a role model. I am sickened and disgusted to see this vile man online.”
Issuing a response to the disturbing revelation, Manchester United said that they were “unaware” of his convictions and expressed their “heartfelt sympathy to the victims and all those affected by these abhorrent crimes”, confirming that they will now have “no further connection” with the individual and have contacted legal and footballing authorities “as a matter of urgency”.
Manchester United reportedly set to release first-ever fourth kit for 2026/27 season
Danny Jones
In what will be a club-first, it’s being claimed that Manchester United will be releasing a fourth kit for the 2026/27 campaign.
And no, we don’t mean a special one-off pre-match jersey or training shirt; this will be an additional alternative Man United strip to be worn in games next season.
With the current term set to conclude in just a couple of games’ time, and the Red Devils having now secured a return to the Champions League, they’re marking their comeback with their inaugural fourth kit – one for each of the competitions they will be playing in this year.
Football clubs often rotate between two or even three kits, but it’s not all that often that you see a side springing for another one.
💣💣💣 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Adidas to Release First-Ever Manchester United 4th Kit in 26-27: https://t.co/xDJa8inmPG
As broken by reliable football fashion source, Footy Headlines, while there isn’t much information around what the kit will look like, or even what the colour will be just yet, it is believed it will be a variation on the classic trio of red, white and black used for home shirts, shorts and socks.
Historically, most teams that have opted to take on an extra kit usually do so when competing in more tournaments than most terms – such as Manchester City in the most recent Club World Cup – for special anniversary matches, milestone derbies, cup-ties or some kind of limited-edition collaboration.
However, according to the online outlet, this fourth kit will be match-worn at some point in 2026/27, though we are yet to get a clear timeline.
Meanwhile, posters for the new MUFC home shirt are currently going up outside Old Trafford.
Footy Headlines state that the launch is expected in early next year, rather than for the start of 26/27, and many supporters are already speculating that it will be worn primarily for European/cup fixtures.
Shirts like these are always likely to become collectors’ items, and it goes without saying that, besides being a helpful rotation when it comes to potential kit clashes, this will no doubt serve as yet another money spinner for both them and Adidas.
United’s current deal with the German kit manufacturers runs until 2035, and if this proves to be a popular addition to their sportswear lineup and the ever-growing ‘casual culture’ among fans, we wouldn’t be surprised if you see even more fourth shirts coming out of Manchester in the future.
Speaking of footy kits, for those who haven’t seen it already, he’s a close-up look at the aforementioned Manchester United home strip for next season.
Featured Images — Matt Bloomfield (via Flickr)/The Manc Group
Sport
Manchester City to open pop-up pub in honour of John Stones and Bernardo Silva
Danny Jones
Manchester City are setting up a special pop-up to celebrate John Stones and Bernardo Silva as they prepare to leave at the end of this season.
Having spent nearly two full decades at the Etihad Stadium between them, Stones and Silva will be toasting their departure in true Northern fashion: with their very own Man City pub of the same name.
Come on, you have to admit it: ‘The Stones and Silva’ has a nice ring to it.
Opening for just a few days later this month, before the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and their final appearances in City colours, this is your time to cheers their careers.
Pouring pints from Thursday, 21 May until the end, Cityzens are being encouraged to come along and raise a glass to two of their team’s most successful stars.
Taking over the legendary Star and Garter on Fairfield Street in Manchester city centre, as per an official press release from the club, “The Stones & Silva will feature themed décor inspired by the pair’s unforgettable moments in sky blue.”
As arguably two of the most important players during the Manc side’s most prolific period for winning silverware, it feels only fitting that Blues give them a proper send-off.
Entry will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the event, and you can expect plenty of supporters to come through the doors.
The chosen picture for the pub’s hanging inn sign is inspired by the iconic snap of the Gallagher brothers back at the start of the Oasis mania.
MCFC’s The Stones and Silva pop-up pub will open at the following times:
Thursday, 21 May: 4pm-11pm
Friday, 22 May: 4pm-11pm
Saturday, 23 May: 12pm-11pm
Sunday, 24 May: 12pm-8pm
Better still, in collaboration with official partners Asahi, the first 100 fans through the doors each day will be able to get their hands on a FREE beer. Be rude not to at least try and turn up early…
Elsewhere at the club, the drinks have already been flowing in and around Etihad Campus, as Man City Women finally lifted another league title. See some of the party scenes down below.
Danny Jones -
7th September 2023 
