Greg Clarke’s comments were ‘unacceptable’, says Manchester United Women coach Casey Stoney

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Manchester United Women head coach Casey Stoney has hit out at former Football Association (FA) chairman Greg Clarke for the “unacceptable” remarks that led to his resignation this week.

Clarke stepped down on Tuesday after using the the word “coloured” while referring to black players, suggesting that being gay was a “life choice” and saying the lack of goalkeepers in women’s football was a result of girls not liking the ball being kicked at them.

Former England defender Stoney said she hopes Clarke’s successor will be able to affect change within the organisation to ensure a progressive culture of inclusivity and diversity.

“I think it just shows how much work we have still got to do,” Stoney said. “[Clarke’s remarks] are completely unacceptable and it was the right thing to stand down.

Read more: Greg Clarke resigns as FA chairman after comments on ‘coloured footballers’

“There is some great work going on and I don’t think we can go away from that – because it is two separate issues – but it shows there is still a lot of education and work to do.”

While the former England Women and Team GB captain expressed her sorrow at Clarke’s comments, she also admitted it could open the door for positive change.

“It is extremely disappointing, especially when the person at the top of that chain is making the comments so flippantly and easily,” Stoney said.

“At the same time, it is important, because it raises the issue and awareness even more that there is still a problem.

“We don’t want it to detract from the game [against Manchester City Women] at the weekend, but we have to see this as an opportunity for positive change now within the organisation and within football.

“I think whether it is a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) candidate or a female, it has to be the right person for the job and who can really take the FA forward and be more progressive, more inclusive and more diverse.

“Hopefully that includes the board, too, in terms of making positive change. I don’t think it is diverse enough at the moment to represent society and a game which brings people together.”

PA