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.”
