New AFC Wimbledon manager Wally Downes apologised for controversial Twitter posts, with the club insisting they “do not represent his views”.
Downes, whose appointment was announced on Tuesday, recently spent time as a coach in India and a post from a Twitter account belonging to him, dated September 6, appeared to mock legislation in the country passed that month to increase the rights of same-sex couples.
It carried the hashtag #RainbowLacesTurbans. The account, which Wimbledon confirmed was Downes’s, has since been deleted.
Downes said: “I apologise for my previous use of social media — my comments were meant to be humorous but on reflection they were a mistake. I am very aware of my responsibilities as Wimbledon’s manager and immensely proud to have been appointed. I am now looking forward to working flat out to help to keep the club in League One.
“I am very proud to be appointed as manager of a club I love dearly.”
A statement on the club website added: “During the recruitment process we became aware of some use of social media by Wally that is not consistent with our values. We have talked at length with Wally about this, who has accepted that these messages were ill-judged and he has assured us that they do not represent his views.
“In the light of these discussions, we are satisfied that these do not represent Wally’s views. We have agreed a series of actions with Wally that we believe will demonstrate his commitment to the club’s values.”
Downes has not been a manager in England’s top four divisions since he managed Brentford from 2002-04 but has coached in the Premier League.
