The South Belfast football club said it was ‘delighted’ to announced the partnership with a man convicted of sexual assault
18:59, 21 Nov 2025
Stephen Mooney, owner of Mooney’s Master Butchers on Shankill Road, who was convicted of sexual assault in 2018
Linfield FC have been condemned after announcing a partnership between a convicted sex offender and its youth academy.
The South Belfast football club said it was “delighted” to announce the partnership with Mooney’s Master Butchers on Shankill Road, which is owned by Stephen Mooney, a man who was convicted in 2018 for sexually assaulting a woman.
On Thursday the club issued a statement regarding the new Academy partnership saying: “Linfield FC are delighted to announce Mooney’s Master Butchers as an Academy Partner for the 2025/26 season.
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“A well-known and much-loved local business, Mooney’s has earned a strong reputation across Belfast as one of the city’s top butchers. Based on the Shankill Road, the Mooney’s brand is recognised for its quality, community spirit, and long-standing connection to Linfield FC.
“This new partnership marks a welcome return to the Linfield family for Mooney’s, who previously served as a front-of-shirt partner over a decade ago.
“Mooney’s are also now confirmed as a trackside advertiser with the first-team, so keep an eye out for their sign at Windsor Park!”
Following the announcement there has been condemnation from fans regarding the new partnership, with some contacting Belfast Live to voice their disapproval of the decision saying “he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the club”.
Others have taken to social media and said that while the partnership continues they will not step foot in Windsor Park.
Linfield FC have been contacted for comment.
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