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      Football thug jailed after smashing former Premier League star in face with METAL BUCKET in shocking pitch invasion

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      A FOOTBALL thug has been jailed for hitting Middlesbrough keeper Tom Glover in the face with a METAL BUCKET.The incident left former Tottenham youngster Glover concussed with blood streaming down his face – and needing ten stitches.
      A man has been jailed for hitting former Melbourne City goalkeeper Tom Glover in the face with a metal bucketCredit: Getty
      The incident occurred in December during Melbourne City’s clash with Melbourne VictoryCredit: Getty
      It happened last December, when the Australian keeper was playing for Melbourne City in a local derby against Melbourne Victory.
      Glover, who joined Championship strugglers Boro earlier this summer, still bears a scar from the assault.
      Melbourne magistrates court sentenced Victory fan Alex Agelopoulos to three months in prison after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
      The trial heard he attacked Glover, 25, with the sand-filled bucket during a pitch invasion.
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      The footy thug launched a metal bucker at Glover following a pitch invasion
      Glover was visibly hurt after the collisionCredit: Getty
      Players and staff were on hand to help escort the shot-stopper away from the situationCredit: Getty
      Magistrate Rosemary Falla told Agelopoulos, 23: “You and your cohort have stained the very fabric of football in Australia.
      “This will forever be remembered for the harm that was caused.
      “Tom Glover is now wary every time he steps onto the pitch.”
      Agelopoulos, nicknamed Bucket Man by Aussie media, was freed on bail after an appeal but will go on trial once more in December.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Glover spent five seasons on Spurs’ books before returning home to join Melbourne City in 2019.
      He made 106 appearances for the Aussie outfit before signing for Middlesbrough on a free transfer this July. More

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      ‘Immature’ Mason Greenwood ‘won’t bounce back’ after Man Utd dropped him & ‘was lost from very start’, insiders say

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      MASON Greenwood will “not bounce back” after Manchester United dropped him and “was lost from the very start”, insiders have said.Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour in January 2022, but they were dropped when witnesses refused to testify.
      Mason Greenwood will ‘not bounce back’ after United dropped him, insiders have saidCredit: AFP
      The club announced on Monday that it had been mutually agreed for him to leaveCredit: Getty
      Reports that United were planning to retain him following an internal investigation were met with public outcry.
      The club announced on Monday that it had been mutually agreed for the 21-year-old to leave.
      Now several sources have said “immature” Greenwood may never play again when he leaves Old Trafford.
      “I don’t think he is equipped to come back from this,” a source told MailOnline.
      Read more Sport News
      They continued: “There are players who would be able to think: ‘I have been cleared so stuff you’. They would just get on and score goals for someone.
      “Mason is not one of those. He’s immature. I really think he’s finished.”
      Another source added: “Not even Fergie could have saved him. I think Mason Greenwood was lost from the very start.”
      Other sources described Greenwood as “stand-offish”, “aloof” and “monosyllabic”.
      Most read in Football
      Meanwhile a driver for high-profile footballers said they attempted to start a conversation with him only to be told to “just drive”.
      One football figure said he wasn’t “wired like everybody else” and compared him to Paul Gascoigne.
      It comes as talkSport reported Greenwood could be welcome at a new club abroad – but in the relative footballing backwater of Albania.
      An unnamed side in the Balkan Peninsula nation are said to have expressed interest in the striker.
      Greenwood’s last United appearance was in a 1-0 Premier League win against West Ham United on January 22 last year.
      The player born in Bradford in West Yorkshire has been at United since age six and hit 35 goals in 129 matches for the club.
      He was given an England debut – and solitary cap – by manager Gareth Southgate in September 2020, as a late sub against Iceland. More

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      Now ANOTHER foreign team is interested in signing Mason Greenwood after player was dumped by Man Utd

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      ANOTHER foreign team is showing interest in offering Manchester United exile Mason Greenwood an escape after being dumped.A potential new move abroad is being lined up for the former England striker after the decision to let him leave Old Trafford.
      Mason Greenwood reportedly has a new transfer option overseas in EuropeCredit: PA
      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has rejected talk of a move to his Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
      And ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has ruled out a reunion with him at Serie A side AS Roma in Italy.
      Yet Greenwood could be welcome at a new club abroad – but in the relative footballing backwater of Albania, talkSport reports.
      An unnamed side in the Balkan Peninsula nation are said to have expressed interest in the 21-year-old striker.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Albania’s international team first qualified for a major tournament when reaching the 2016 UEFA European Championship in France.
      Greenwood has been absent from Premier League club United’s first team since being arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control in January last year.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but he has remained suspended by the Red Devils.
      An announcement by United on Monday revealed Greenwood would be leaving the club in what they called a “collaborative decision”.
      Most read in Football
      Yet it remained unclear whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or if he would be sold or sent out on loan.
      The player issued a statement admitting he’d “made mistakes”.
      United risk losing millions if Greenwood doesn’t find a move elsewhere before the transfer window closes this time next week.
      If he remains on their books they club could have to pay him a hefty fee to cancel his contract which is only due to expire in 2025.
      Yet they could be reprieved if a Saudi club opts for the player because their league’s window extends until September 20.
      New recruits to the Saudi league include Greenwood’s ex-United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazilian striker Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid’s France forward Karim Benzema.

      AL-ETTIFAQ MOVE ‘FAKE NEWS’
      Al-Ettifaq swooped for England vice-captain and midfielder Jordan Henderson, joining from Liverpool for wages of £700,000 per week.
      Yet former Three Lions skipper Gerrard, who took over at Al-Ettifaq last month, posted an Instagram story on Tuesday dismissing speculation about a move for Greenwood “fake news”.
      Other clubs linked with the player have included Galatasaray and Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.
      United’s decision to go separate ways with Greenwood was welcomed by former England and United right-back Gary Neville.
      Yet the club’s handling of situation was also labelled “horrible” by the ex-defender who now works as a Sky Sports pundit.
      Greenwood’s Old Trafford exit was described as “inevitable and right” by the BBC’s Match Of The Day presenter and ex-England captain Gary Lineker.
      But football clubs more widely were urged by women’s charities to do better when dealing with such allegations.
      Lifelong United fan Rachel Riley last week said she would no longer support United if they let Greenwood come back.
      The Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant later welcomed his departure but accused United of having “handled this appallingly”.
      Greenwood’s last United appearance was in a 1-0 Premier League win against West Ham United on January 22 last year.
      He was charged in October last year by the Crown Prosecution Service and was due to go on trial this November.
      But the case was withdrawn on February 2 after his alleged victim as well as 12 further witnesses declined to co-operate.
      Read More on The Sun
      The player born in Bradford in West Yorkshire has been at United since age six and hit 35 goals in 129 matches for the club.
      He was given an England debut – and solitary cap – by manager Gareth Southgate in September 2020, as a late sub against Iceland.
      All charges against the ex-England striker were dropped in FebruaryCredit: EPA
      Celebrity fan Rachel Riley had threatened to quit supporting United if he stayed More

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      I’ve been a Man Utd fan since before I was born – club handled Mason Greenwood decision horrendously, Rachel Riley says

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      LIFELONG Man Utd fan Rachel Riley has accused the club of handling the Mason Greenwood saga “appallingly”.The Countdown host and lifelong Red Devils supporter hit out at the club in a lengthy tweet today.
      Rachel Riley has opened up about Man Utd’s decision to axe Mason Greenwood
      Rachel shared her feelings alongside two pictures on her TwitterCredit: X
      Rachel slammed the team’s handling over the decision to axe Greenwood following his arrest for assault, attempted rape and coercive control.
      The Crown Prosecution Service chose not to proceed with the case against him but the club carried out their own probe into the claims.
      Rachel shared two images – one of her as a baby with a Utd teddy and a second with her two children wearing official kits.
      She said the decision to get rid of Greenwood was “right” but the statement released was “horrendous”.
      Read more news
      Rachel added: “I’ve been a red since before I was born, I’ve passed it on to my baby girls and some of the all time best times of my life have been working with, and cheering on Man United, so I write with such a heavy heart – as a club we’ve handled this appallingly.”
      The TV star has been vocal of the Greenwood situation and threatened to pull her support for Utd if they backed him.
      She yesterday praised a “great statement” released by Women’s Aid after the club revealed their decision.
      The announcement brings an end to a 19-month saga for Utd after Greenwood’s arrest last January.
      Most read in Football
      He was at the centre of a five month investigation by bosses despite the charges already being dropped against him in February.
      The team said Greenwood “did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged” after carrying out a probe.
      They added they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      Utd confirmed they examined evidence that was “not in the public domain”, including “from those with direct knowledge of the case”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.
      “It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
      Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “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 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, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. 
      “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me.
      “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. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Rachel previously threatened to pull her support for the club if Greenwood stayedCredit: Getty
      The charges against Greenwood were dropped in FebruaryCredit: PA More

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      Ex-Premier League prodigy Causso Darame, 24, dealt drugs as he was ‘too proud’ to claim benefits when club dropped him

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      AN EX-FOOTBALL professional dealt drugs because he was “too proud” to claim state benefits after being dropped by his club.Causso Darame, 24, dreamed of the big time after moving from Portugal to be signed by club Swansea City in the Premier League at the age of just 16.
      Ex-Swansea City star Causso Darame dealt drugs as he was ‘too proud’ to claim benefitsCredit: WNS
      The speedy winger compared himself to superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and NeymarCredit: Getty
      The speedy winger compared himself to superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar – but failed to make it.
      A court heard he then turned to drug-dealing to make money because he refused to accept unemployment benefits.
      He was chased by police and discovered hiding underneath a car with £1,000 worth of heroin and cocaine.
      Recorder Paul Lewis KC said: “You told the probation officer you were living off the proceeds of crime because you were too proud to claim benefits.”
      Read more Sport News
      Prosecutor Steven Donoghue said further drugs were found at his home with a street value between £740 and £1,000.
      Defence barrister Martha Smith-Higgins said her client was signed to Swansea City FC as a teenager after being provided with a scholarship and sponsorship.
      When he was in the Swansea City set-up he told their website: “I try to play like Ronaldo or Neymar – they are the players I have grown-up watching.
      “Ronaldo is my hero though. His hard-work ethic is a great example for young players like me – I would like to be like him.
      Most read in Football
      “I always try to be skilful and fast to cause as much trouble as possible on the wing.”
      But at the age of 19, he was released from his contract and was unable to find another club.
      Cardiff Crown court heard Darame’s life began to “spiral out of control” and he turned to using drugs.
      He ended up racking up a debt and began dealing drugs in order to pay off that debt.
      Since his remand in custody, the defendant has joined the prison football team – and wants to restart his career.
      Darame, of Llanrumney, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
      He was sentenced to a total of 28 months imprisonment. More

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      Premier League star Raul Jimenez’s home broken into while his family were inside with £130k Audi & Range Rover stolen

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      A PREMIER LEAGUE star’s home was broken into while his family were inside with his Audi Q8 and Range Rover stolen.”Professional criminal” Patrick Rafferty and his fellow thieves sneaked into Raul Jimenez’s Tettenhall home while he was there with his young children.
      Thieves sneaked into Raul Jimenez’s Tettenhall home while he was there with his familyCredit: Instagram
      The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers star was targeted as part of a two-month crime spreeCredit: Getty
      The 35-year-old targeted Wolverhampton Wanderers all-time top Premier League goal scorer as part of his two-month crime spree which saw him swipe cars worth a total of almost £250,000.
      Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how Rafferty was part of a gang of crooks who often disguised themselves before creeping into homes during the early hours of the morning.
      Victims were often asleep when the thieves entered their Wolverhampton and Willenhall homes in order to pinch keys and flee with cars parked on driveways.
      The gang forced entry into the Mexican striker’s home in July last year, stealing two of his cars which were worth a total of £130,000.
      Read more Sport News
      Other items snatched from the 32-year-old’s home included PlayStation controllers, watches and computers, prosecutor Jonathan Barker said.
      It comes after Jimenez penned a two-year deal with Fulham in July after falling out of favour at Wolves.
      During their crimewave, dad-of-one Rafferty and others entered a property in Tettenhall Wood.
      A Mini Countryman worth £5,800 was stolen while a family with children slept.
      Most read in Football
      The victims noticed the cars had been taken when they woke up later that morning.
      Two days later, burglars broke a lock and forced their way into a home in Tettenhall.
      A dad who had been asleep was suddenly woken up by a noise before realising the keys to his Porsche and Mercedes were being taken.
      He courageously attempted to disturb the thieves, which caused a criminal attempting to flee in the Mercedes to lose control and hurtle into a neighbour’s house.
      The thieves then fled the scene on foot. A total of £5,500-worth of damage was caused to the neighbour’s home.
      Gang members targeted a further property that same day while a family with children were inside their home in Willenhall.
      A lock was broken before the thieves snatched keys to a Ford Fiesta worth £4,000 and an £18,000 Seat Leon.
      The next day, the gang broke a lock to get inside a home in Oxley but left empty-handed when they were disturbed.
      A victim living at a property in Wednesfield was woken up when his Ring doorbell made a noise that same day.
      The gang forced entry into Jimenez’ home in July last yearCredit: Instagram
      They stole two of his cars which were worth a total of £130,000Credit: Rex
      He confronted the masked burglars and shouted at them before they said they wanted his car and walked off with nothing.
      Thieves went on to burgle a home in Tettenhall after breaking a lock on a door.
      A family with children were inside when a BMW X3, Peugeot 208 and a Citreon DS3 were swiped from their home.
      Apple AirPods also taken were traced by police, linking accomplice Simon Brookes to the burglary.
      The burglars then forced their way through a dining room window to get into another home, where two Mercedes worth a total of £23,000 were stolen.
      An attempted burglary took place in Willenhall but masked men ran off after the female victim shouted at them.
      A Toyota Avensis worth £1,500 was also taken from a property in Bilston.
      The court heard how Rafferty – of no fixed abode – has 23 convictions for 58 offences including other burglaries and conspiracy to steal.
      Rafferty and Brookes admitted conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal between July 18 and September 16 last year.
      Third-strike burglar Rafferty confirmed he was involved in all 10 incidents.
      Amrisha Parathalingam, defending Rafferty, said he was using drugs at the time of his offending.
      Brookes, 31, pleaded on a basis and claimed he was only involved in the burglary in Tettenhall.
      Simon Worlock, defending Brookes, said the dad-of-four – of Wolverhampton – was just the driver of one of the cars which was stolen and is “not proud of what he has done”.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sentencing, Judge Michael Chambers KC said: “You were both part of a criminal gang which was focused on stealing valuable cars by identifying them on driveways and entering the dwelling house in the early hours of the morning, drilling out the locks, wearing disguises.”
      Rafferty was jailed for 84 months, while Brookes was locked up for 54 months on August 21.
      Other items snatched from the 32-year-old’s home included PlayStation controllersCredit: Instagram More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘wanted by Steven Gerrard’s mega-rich Saudi club’ but ex-Man Utd boss & Turkish side also ‘interested’

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      MANCHESTER United exile Mason Greenwood is in line for a £10million Saudi Arabia deal with Steven Gerrard – or else a potential reunion with Jose Mourinho.The former England striker is being eyed up by Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, who this summer appointed Liverpool legend Gerrard as manager.
      Mason Greenwood could be offered a reunion with Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard’s new club are in line to offer a £10million-a-year dealCredit: AFP
      Former United boss Mourinho has been linked with signing the striker for RomaCredit: AFP
      United’s handling of the saga prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty
      Other Saudi clubs are also considering a move for the 21-year-old after United announced he’d be leaving, The Sun can reveal.
      He is on the radar of not only ex-United boss Mourinho’s Serie A side AS Roma in Italy but also one of Turkey’s leading clubs Galatasaray.
      The Sun understands several Saudi clubs are interested, including Gerrard’s side who are considering whether to offer a £10million-a-year deal.
      Al-Ettifaq’s signings this summer include England vice-captain Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, now being paid £700,000 per week.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Meanwhile, Galatasaray have recruited Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace on a free transfer and Hakim Ziyech on loan from Chelsea.
      Reports of the potential moves come just hours after the Old Trafford club announced Greenwood would be leaving – though it could cost the Premier League giants millions of pounds.
      United today revealed they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward for him to move on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
      Most read in Football
      They now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
      If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
      They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
      But Roma have re-emerged tonight as a potential top contender for Greenwood’s signing, according to talkSPORT.
      The Sun revealed in July how Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
      A source said at the time: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason.
      “He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
      “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
      “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
      Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
      United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about Greenwood.
      Mourinho gave Greenwood his Red Devils first-team debut in July 2018, during a pre-season friendly tour of the United States.
      NEVILLE CONDEMNS ‘HORRIBLE’ HANDLING
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      United legend Gary Neville tonight condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Greenwood saga but described the player’s departure as “the right decision”.
      His comments came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
      Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      GREENWOOD ADMITS MAKING ‘MISTAKES’
      Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse 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.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      Mourinho brought Greenwood into the United first team in summer 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The forward has not played for United since they faced West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty
      The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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      Mason Greenwood saga reveals shocking truths about Man Utd leadership, says Gary Neville – as striker axed

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      MANCHESTER United legend Gary Neville has condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood saga.The Sky Sports pundit and ex-Red Devils captain tonight said Greenwood’s newly-announced exit exposed leadership failures at the Old Trafford club.
      Gary Neville has accused his old club Manchester United of failing to be ‘strong’Credit: PA
      Mason Greenwood’s United exit is finally the ‘right decision’, Neville saysCredit: Getty
      Former England international Neville said it was the “right decision” to announce this afternoon Greenwood would be leaving United.
      But he told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports tonight the six-month process ahead of the announcement was “pretty horrible”.
      And he accused club chiefs of failing to be “strong and authoritative”.
      His intervention came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
      United today announced they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward that he would be moving on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      Most read in Football
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of survivors’ “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      UNITED ‘LACK STRONG LEADERSHIP’
      And when asked this evening about the development ahead of the Premier League derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Neville criticised United officials for their handling of the situation.
      He said: “Yes, they have made the right decision and finally got there – however, the process of getting there has been pretty horrible.
      “When you have significant situations and difficult situations like this, you need strong and authoritative leadership and Manchester United don’t have that.”
      He also called for an “independent review” in similar situations of alleged violence against women.
      Neville added: “It should not be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on a significant situation – not only for themselves, but also for the game.
      “People talk about the representation of Manchester United, but it’s the Premier League as well.
      “My view is on issues of this importance and severity, they should be dealt with independently because it’s clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and ability to deal with this situation.
      “It’s been well above their experience and ability.”
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      GREENWOOD ACCEPTS HE ‘MADE MISTAKES’
      Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse 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.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      United’s handling of the case prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty More