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Manchester United fan Stephen Howson has apologised after claiming Ed Woodward was worse for the club than the Munich air disaster.
Howson, who co-hosts the Vibe with Five podcast with United legend Rio Ferdinand, angered supporters by claiming Woodward's spell as executive vice-chairman of the club was more damaging than the 1958 Munich disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people – including 11 United players and staff.
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Speaking on the Paddock Podcast, Howson said: "I think where United are at the moment, f*** it I'm gonna say it on camera. I think Woodward was worse for us than Munich.
"Obviously I'm not comparing people passing away, but I'm saying 10 years post-Munich we was European champions. Ten years of Woodward, we're in the s***."
He then added: "I’m absolutely not taking anything away from the people who have lost their lives in Munich, but in terms of something that's f***ing happened, Woodward has been f***ing worse for the football club and where we've progressed in that time."
Fans on social media immediately reacted with disgust at Howson's comments.
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"There is no possible context where these words are acceptable," wrote one Twitter user.
Another added: "Losing a few league titles and trophies is nowhere near comparable to people DYING."
Howson replied: "I can apologise on the delivery, for sure - but this wasn't a scripted point - never is. It's a podcast. It was 40 odd mins in to a chat.
"I clarified at the time what I meant. Most people have understood. But Twitter will look for outrage like it always does."
In a later tweet, he added: "I definitely should have worded this better & apologise for any offence I've caused. Please watch the full context below, I hope people can see what I was trying to say.
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"I'm a fan who loves our football club, not a trained presenter so I may f*** up sometimes.
"I've done some docs on Munich in past - I know the importance of this to our football club."
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Ed Woodward
Rory O'Callaghan