MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SPORTS

'Should not be allowed on pitch again': Reactions pour in as rape charge against Mason Greenwood dropped

The decision to drop the case against the 21-year-old was influenced by the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of new information

GREAT MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Charges of attempted rape and assault against Mason Greenwood, a football player for Manchester United, has been dropped. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that its decision to drop the case against the 21-year-old was influenced by the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of new information.

Given the considerable interest in the case, Greater Manchester Police said that it was "only fair" to announce that Greenwood would no longer be subject to criminal proceedings. One count of attempted rape, one count of coercive behavior, and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm were the charges the striker faced. 

READ MORE

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo choose Manchester United? Fans hail 'greatest transfer of all time'

TRAGEDY AT THE SOCCER: At least 129 dead after violence erupts during match causing deadly stampede

'Don't see a way back'

Despite the charges getting dropped, the internet nor the prosecution has taken it lightly. Internet has been evoking strong reaction and stresses that the striker should never step foot on the football pitch again, "Should never be allowed to step foot on a football pitch again," wrote one user while another said, "Should never play for the club again." One more said, "I don't see a way back. He'll end up at some average club." However, some users were delighted and expressed they can't wait to have him back. "Can’t wait to have you back, I love the competition now," wrote one. "Mason Greenwood's comeback is bigger than Enzo Fernandez's to Chelsea. Nothing but fact" wrote another.

'My star boy is coming back'

There were more fans in support of Greenwood with some alleging that the charges were just a setup, "So Mason Greenwood’s rape and assault case was just a setup! Ogopa wanawake manze. My star boy is coming BACK! At least Anthony will have to up his game." Gary Neville gave some clearance over liking a tweet, "I liked a tweet relating to the Mason Greenwood news this afternoon from Nazir Afzal. ( the former director of public prosecutions ). This like is being misinterpreted. It was clumsy-like as I obviously condemn any violence against women." However, fans didn't seem to take the halfhearted apology asking was the retweet accidental too.

In a statement released on Thursday, chief superintendent Michaela Kerr, the force’s head of public protection, said it understood the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that “this decision has not been taken lightly”.

Kerr said: “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them. An ever-increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilizing tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help,” The Independent reported. 

Mason Greenwood's Nike sponsorship was terminated

In response to the allegations, Greenwood was initially detained in January 2022 after pictures and videos were uploaded online. He was granted bail, but in October he was taken into custody for allegedly breaking the terms. Greenwood's sponsorship agreement with Nike was put on hold and later terminated, and Electronic Arts confirmed that he had been dropped from the active rosters of its Fifa 22 game.