A newly formed Manchester United fan group has released a statement addressing the club amid its investigation into allegations of violent and abusive conduct against Mason Greenwood.
Speaking to Daniel Taylor of The Athletic, the organisation, known as Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return, have also revealed they are planning a series of protests to make clear to club bosses that the 21-year-old should not be allowed to return to the squad.
Fans Plan Protest Before Premier League Opener Against Wolves
Group Releases Statement to Manchester United
The group posted a statement on social media Friday morning to demand that the club permanently removes Greenwood from the squad, stating “The situation is clear – taking Greenwood back legitimises and normalises sexual assault and domestic abuse”.
Mason Greenwood denies any allegations of abuse or sexual violence.
Elsewhere in the statement, United were urged to demonstrate the values of their fanbase and the community by not allowing commercial considerations to sway them into retaining the player.
The fan group have also raised concerns about the potential impact on United staff if they are made to feel that their employer is content to force them to work alongside an alleged abuser.
Read More: Man ‘Threatened With Violence’ After Filming the Thing Mason Greenwood Has Been Doing Recently
According to Daniel Taylor’s recent report, protests have already been planned and will take place outside of Old Trafford before Erik ten Hag’s side face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night. The protestors hope that their demonstration can influence the club’s decision by showing a strong opposition to keeping Greenwood amongst match-going fans.
There will be a gathering at the Holy Trinity statue outside of the stadium to ask for backing from another group who will be present to protest against the Glazer family, who are still majority owners of the club despite widely reported bids from INEOS and Qatari ruler Sheikh Jassim.
Mason Greenwood Awaits Manchester United’s Decision on His Future
Greenwood is currently awaiting the results of an internal investigation into his conduct following his arrest in January 2022, after videos and images of alleged sexual assaults and domestic abuse were posted on social media.
He was subsequently charged by police with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood has denied all allegations relating to the matter.
The United academy graduate was then arrested in October for alleged breaches of the bail conditions of his arrest, although no further action was taken by police.
In February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood, stating that “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of prosecution”.
Since his release, he has been filmed in training sessions with a former youth coach in public parks. It is understood that his club is monitoring data accrued from these sessions.
Read More: ‘Fee Now Agreed’: Man Utd Now on the Verge of Selling Another Player as Transfer Funds Build Up
Manchester United’s Investigation Deadline is Uncertain
A final decision on the young forward’s future is believed to be the responsibility of chief executive Richard Arnold, who will personally review the results of the internal investigation.
The club had reportedly planned on delivering a statement regarding their decision before Monday’s game against Wolves at Old Trafford. However, these plans have been thrown into doubt by reports that they may delay, in order to seek the advice of players from their women’s side who are currently competing in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
These reports have led to criticism from the Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return group, who questioned the implication that United had not yet consulted their female professionals, despite having many months and opportunities to do so.
Journalist Mike Goodman has criticised the club for trying to “pin the decision” to delay on the women’s team and described the situation as “extremely gross”.
It is clear that fans are desperate for an immediate resolution to Greenwood’s situation. The club will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny and criticism if they decide to hold on to their former youth prospect.
Main Image Credit: Ardfern on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
.jpg){kind=link}