Kelly Simmons calls Ratcliffe’s comments over women’s team poor, saying that it sends a negative message across.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments regarding Manchester United’s women’s team have drawn criticism from Kelly Simmons, the former director of the women’s professional game in England, who claims that they are “sending a signal … about what he thinks about women, not just the women’s game.”
As she described what she perceived as a widespread unwillingness by major teams to invest in the women’s game, Simmons—one of the most respected voices in women’s football—made the critiques.
In the past, Ratcliffe has stated that he believes United’s men’s team is “the main issue” and “what moves the needle” at the organisation. He wasn’t at Wembley when Manchester United defeated Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup final last year or when they lost to Chelsea two weeks ago.
“If I was a woman working in United and heard the language Ratcliffe uses, he’s sending a signal to me about what he thinks about women not just the women’s game,” she said. “I’m not sure people recognise how powerful that language is in a negative way. It’s so disappointing.”
Simmons was giving a speech at the Fair Game conference in London, which covered topics including equality and inclusion in football as well as financial sustainability. Ten years ago, Simmons handled the Women’s Super League’s professionalisation and contended that a lack of club funding was impeding the sport’s continued expansion.
Simmons was giving a speech at the Fair Game conference in London, which covered topics including equality and inclusion in football as well as financial sustainability. Ten years ago, Simmons handled the Women’s Super League’s professionalisation and contended that a lack of club funding was impeding the sport’s continued expansion.
Ratcliffe has also spoken of his desire to see the women’s team succeed. “The women’s team wear the Manchester United brand and the Manchester United logo, so in that sense they’re every bit as important as the men’s team and frankly they’re doing better than the men’s team,” he said.