Mason Greenwood insists on innocence after Manchester United's decision

Mason Greenwood insists on innocence after Manchester United's decision

Faruq Ibrahim 16:12 - 21.08.2023

Mason Greenwood releases a statement after the termination of his contract by Manchester United.

Mason Greenwood has released a statement reiterating his innocence following Manchester United's announcement that both parties have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. 

The Red Devils announced today via their official channels that the England international will no longer play for the club after concluding internal investigations and deliberations.

What happened to Mason Greenwood?

In October last year, the forward was charged with attempted rape, assault, and controlling/coercive behaviour after clips and pictures surfaced online implying abuse against an alleged victim. 

Charges against Greenwood including attempted rape and assault was discontinued by the Crown || Imago
Charges against Greenwood including attempted rape and assault was discontinued by the Crown || Imago

However, in February this year, the charges were dropped, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) claimed they had a duty to stop the case following the "withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light," per Sky

Manchester United's decision 

With the striker in the clear legally, the Red Devils, who had initially suspended him following his earlier arrest, had to decide whether to reintegrate him into the squad.  

After a protracted decision-making process, the club announced today that Mason Greenwood would no longer play for them. 

The club's CEO, Richard Arnold, also released a statement explaining the decision, and although he claims that their investigation revealed that Greenwood was not guilty of what he was charged with, the decision had to be made to "minimise distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club."

What Greenwood said 

After the announcement, the player released a statement of his own, where he claimed the decision to terminate his contract was true as stated, a mutual agreement, as he would rather continue his career away from Old Trafford to avoid being a distraction. 

Mason Greenwood will no longer play for Manchester United || Imago
Mason Greenwood will no longer play for Manchester United || Imago

“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me,” he said, per Fabrizio Romano.

“The best decision for us all is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.”

He, however, made sure to maintain his stance of innocence, saying:

“I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.”

“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.

“However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”

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