THE FORMER MANCHESTER United scout who was sacked earlier this year for making a number of racially offensive Facebook posts says he understands the club’s decision to dismiss him, but insists he stands by what he wrote.
Torben Aakjaer, who had joined United as a European scout in 2011, had his contract terminated in January after making a number of derogatory remarks towards Muslims, Eastern Europeans and immigrants.
Based in Copenhagen, Aakjaer removed the offending posts and originally claimed that while he had been behind some of the insults, he was not responsible for others and had never been racist.
After a brief internal investigation, Manchester United relieved him of his duties and Aakjaer says he has no complaints.
“I can one hundred per cent understand their decision,” he told PLBOLD.
“I chose not to file a case against them about the sacking. When I joined United, I signed a contract that instructed me to never mention players or possible transfers in or out of Manchester United, which I complied with 100 per cent.
“Unfortunately, I did not have enough insight to figure out that what I write on my personal Facebook account could display me and therefore the club in a bad light.
“With all the media attention that is around one of the world’s largest football clubs and brands, United had to react as they did – quickly and effectively.
“My bosses at the club tried to defend me, but the consequences of not firing me were too great for the reputation of the club. So, they did what they had to do.”
Despite admitting that his actions had caused him to lose his “dream” job, Aakjaer insists that he stands by his controversial remarks.
“Had I known that the journalist who slaughtered me would do so, I probably wouldn’t have written any comments on Facebook except about football,” he noted.
“Not that I have changed my mind about what I wrote, I still believe the things I wrote. But had I known that I would lose my job, I wouldn’t have expressed myself in that way.
“Working at United was a dream come true. I sacrificed everything to get the job. It is my son’s favourite club and I had a lot of privileges and benefits, so I could visit Old Trafford and Carrington and talk to the players. But I cannot complain about what happened – it was my own fault.”
I suppose I better terminate his contract in football manager is well!!!
You really did make light of the dark situation presented here, Paudie. I’ll give you props for that.
Dark situation. You are fired. .
At least Manchester United sacked someone for making a racist comment, unlike another team who shall rename nameless.
Rename…
Padraig it’s ok he doesn’t play for Liverpool anymore you don’t have to hate him anymore let it go man
Oh so moving clubs doesn’t make him a racist or cannibal anymore
Do you know what a cannibal is?
Well padraig they didn’t sack their captain when he intentionally went out to injure a fellow pro or sack another player when he jumped into the stands to assault a fan (even if the fan deserved it). They sacked him coz he was easily replaceable, it was a business decision to sack him not a moral one so get down off your high horse.
Do you ?
I was talking about Messi … Don’t believe me? Google ‘Royston Drenthe and Messi’. Suarez also. So there is now 2 at Barcelona.
Paul they sacked him cause what he said was wrong!!! You can Call it want you want business or moral decision it doesn’t really matter but they sure as hell didn’t print up t-shirts to support him or go on live television to defend him.
Obviously those of you who red thumbed my Messi comment never Google it.
Yes frank but you obviously don’t
And if Rooney made the same comment or de gea they would sack them or stand by them?? Stop this shite that man utd would’ve handled the situation differently if Suarez was their player, they would’ve stood by him and defended because he’s world class. The same way united stood by keane for intentionally injuring a player and stood by giggs for his infidelities.
I don’t think Frank does know what a cannibal is Alan.
No either do I
Do you not ? Ok Alan I’ll explain to you what a cannibal is – A person who eats the flesh off other human beings or an animal that feeds off its own species.
Now good man keep the head in those books you’ll get there in the end ,
Mucky my comment was in reply to the one above mine.could you not read it
Yep he said ‘ I didn’t think Frank knows what a cannibal is” basically and you said “no neither do I “so then I’ll told you what it was. It’s ok Alan no need to feel embarrassed its was free aswell .
It’s “don’t” not didn’t.
Wow ! The KK are out in force today