Manchester United women's manager Casey Stoney has apologised after joking that a USA football player had schizophrenia.

The comments were made while she was commentating on England's 3-2 win over the Czech Republic.

Stoney was heard to be joking about North Carolina Courage defender Jaelene Hinkle while images of a Czech player's interview were being shown.

The footage was still available on the FA Player this morning before it was taken down. 

Hinkle is known to have strong religious views surrounding homosexuality, while Stoney is one of the UK's most visible gay athletes.

In 2017, Hinkle refused to put on her national teams jersey honouring LGBT Pride Month and also took to Twitter on same-sex marriage day to say that 'the world is falling farther and farther away from god'.

Former England defender Stoney is one of the most visible gay athletes in the UK.

Stoney said during the commentary that she would 'refuse to play in the same team as Hinkle'. 

On her withdrawal from the US team, Cowen said: "She was, like, 'I asked God and he said you must turn it down because of her beliefs.' I'm, like, you're nuts."

The United manager responded: "F*****g hell. Of course he did. Mate. That’s called schizophrenia. God told me to do it. Course he did.”

Speaking to The Telegraph after the incident, Stoney said: "At half-time, a private conversation of mine was inadvertently broadcast.

"I acknowledge that comments made during this conversation were totally wrong and have caused offence – for this I am deeply sorry. I respect everyone’s views and reject all forms of discrimination.”

A Manchester United spokesperson responded to her actions and said: "Casey has apologised for her comments last night. 

"As a club committed to equality and diversity Manchester United recognises that Casey’s comments were not acceptable and we will be making this clear to her.”