Grace Riglar, the partner of the late Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack, testified at a coroner’s inquest on Friday that Cusack’s former manager Jonathan Morgan referred to her as a “psycho” and made a comment about her weight. Riglar said the remark led Cusack to alter her eating patterns, a change she described as a “personal attack” after being omitted from the squad.
The inquest, which is examining the circumstances surrounding Cusack’s death at age 26, heard Riglar become emotional while recounting the incident. She said Morgan’s comment — “You’re a bit big, you need to lose weight” — was made publicly after a training session in early 2025. Riglar added that Cusack subsequently reduced her food intake, which she believed contributed to her declining health.
She also said Cusack had called her omission from the matchday squad a “personal attack” on her character, reflecting the pressure she felt from the coaching staff.
Jonathan Morgan, who managed Sheffield United’s women’s team from 2022 to 2025, did not appear in person. A spokesperson for the club declined to comment on the specific allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Counsel for the coroner noted that the testimony will be considered alongside medical evidence concerning Cusack’s sudden cardiac arrest, which was recorded as the cause of death.
Analysis:
The allegations raise questions about weight‑related comments in professional sport and their potential impact on player welfare. If corroborated, such remarks could be seen as contributing to an unhealthy environment, particularly for young athletes. The inquest will likely explore whether the manager’s statements constituted harassment or neglect, and whether the club’s protocols for player health were adequately followed.
The case also highlights broader concerns within football about body‑image pressures and the role of coaching staff in addressing mental and physical health. Stakeholders, including the Professional Footballers’ Association, have previously called for clearer guidelines on weight‑related language to prevent similar incidents.
Further investigation will depend on medical reports, testimonies from teammates, and any documented communications between Cusack and the club.
Sources
– The Guardian, “Maddy Cusack inquest: Jonathan Morgan called her ‘psycho’ and comment on weight changed her eating habits,” June 30 2026, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/30/maddy-cusack-inquest-jonathan-morgan
Story synopsis gathered from: The Guardian World — source
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