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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.
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      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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      Gary Lineker breaks his silence on Mason Greenwood after striker was AXED from Man Utd – as club faces losing MILLIONS

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      GARY Lineker has broken his silence on Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision, welcoming the end to an “untenable” situation.The Match Of The Day presenter and ex-Three Lions captain spoke out, as it emerged United face losing millions letting Greenwood go.
      Gary Lineker says the Greenwood decision was ‘inevitable and right’Credit: Getty
      Greenwood’s Old Trafford departure could cost Manchester United millionsCredit: Getty
      Former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona star Lineker took to X, formerly called Twitter, to offer his thoughts on the Premier League club’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving.
      The BBC host shared the club’s statement and added: “Inevitable and right decision on 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.
      Read More On Mason Greenwood
      The Red Devils 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.
      Recent expensive new recruits to the Saudi league include former United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as France’s Karim Benzema after leaving Real Madrid and PSG’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Posting on social media, she praised a Women’s Aid tweet as a “great statement” after the United announcement.
      The charity had posted: “We know that the news from @ManUtd this afternoon, that Mason Greenwood will be moving on from the club, will be a relief.
      “This case has brought back painful memories for many people.”
      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 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 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.
      Protests have been staged about United’s approach ahead of the Greenwood decisionCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd’s decision to drop Mason Greenwood is a relief but more must be done, women’s charities say

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      WOMEN’S charities have welcomed Manchester United’s decision to deny Mason Greenwood a comeback but say more must be done.Campaigners say abuse survivors will feel “relief” on hearing the ex-England striker won’t return to the Premier League club.
      Abuse charities have welcomed Mason Greenwood’s Manchester United exileCredit: Getty
      But they warned football clubs need to be better at dealing with similar cases and allegations about players’ behaviour.
      Women’s Aid have been in talks with United after responding to a statement last Wednesday which suggested Greenwood’s future at Old Trafford was still being considered.
      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.
      Read More On Mason Greenwood
      The player released a statement admitting he had “made mistakes”.
      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.
      Most read in Football
      And protests were staged at Old Trafford before United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday.
      Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley also said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      Women’s Aid spokeswoman Teresa Parker said: “We know that today’s news from Manchester United that Greenwood will be moving on from club will be a relief.
      “Football is loved by so many people worldwide and players are often idolised by fans, so the way that these alleged abuse cases are treated in clubs has a huge impact on public understanding about what is accepted and tolerated in society.
      “This is an issue that reaches far wider than football, with misogynistic content widely available on social media, so it is important to recognise how widespread harmful attitudes are and address this.”
      ‘FOOTBALL WORLD SHOULD WAKE UP’
      She told how the charity “reached out” to United after last Wednesday’s statement and “since had conversations with the club”.
      She added: “Our approach at Women’s Aid remains the same.
      “We want to work collaboratively with football clubs and organisations to increase understanding and awareness of abuse, as part of our ongoing football campaign.”
      A separate group called Female Fans Against Greenwood’s Return posted on X, formerly called Twitter, their support for the decision – but also criticism of the club for leaving it so long.
      They said: “We are relieved that those with lived experiences of abuse, both fans and employees of MUFC, will finally be able to support their team and attend work without being forced to relive their trauma.
      “Survivors, we see you, we are with you.
      “We hope MUFC and the whole football world will wake up to their responsibilities after this shameful incident.
      “Female fans aren’t passive customers. We are real people with real experiences, and we will make hell in defence of the clubs we love, and in defence of each other.”
      And a joint statement by campaign groups The Three Hijabis and the End Violence Against Women Coalition called on the Football Association and the Premier League to act.
      They demanded “mandatory sexual consent training to be provided for all players, managers, coaches and club owners”.
      They said: “Individuals should be held to account for violence against women and girls and this is the right outcome for Manchester United.”
      But they added: “We are clear that this issue is not solely about individual players but the industry that supports them, the clubs they play for, the leagues they compete in and the academies that train them.
      “Football players and the teams they play for have a unique position in shaping the attitudes of boys and men.
      “The need for football institutions to step up and take urgent, transparent responsibility for tackling gender-based violence has never been clearer.”
      GREENWOOD ADMITS MAKING ‘MISTAKES’
      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 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.”
      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.
      Protests about the club’s approach were held outside Old Trafford last MondayCredit: Getty
      Celeb fan Rachel Riley said she’d stop supporting United if Greenwood returned
      Greenwood has not played for United since being suspended in January last yearCredit: AP
      The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against the footballer in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘must leave club in 10 days or Man Utd face being stuck with him and lose millions’

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      MAN Utd are facing a mad scramble to get rid of Mason Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.The club today announced their striker, 21, would not be returning to Old Trafford following his suspension.
      Man Utd have confirmed Mason Greenwood will not return to Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      Greenwood’s future has not been revealed but Utd have ten days to sell him or get him out on loan before the transfer window closes.
      If they don’t make the 11pm cut-off on September 1, Utd face paying the England star millions to cut his contract.
      They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a Saudi club as their window closes on September 20.
      The striker could also follow his ex-teammate Fred to Turkey to make it in time for their September 15 cut-off point.
      Read more on Mason
      If Utd do loan him out, there would have to be an agreement between both clubs over who pays what percentage of his salary.
      It is understood final details are still being hashed out behind closed doors but the club could potentially lose his value as a player if they cannot loan or sell him.
      Greenwood’s £75,000-a-week contract doesn’t expire until 2025 after he signed a four-and-a-half-year deal by the club in 2021.
      As the charges against him were dropped by the police, there is no clear breach of the agreement.
      Most read in Football
      This means Utd may continue to pay his salary for the next two years until he becomes a free agent.
      The club has so far paid the star £6million since his arrest in January last year.
      Another option would be mutually agreeing a fee to cancel the contract and allow Greenwood to leave even without a potential sale.
      Today’s announcement brings an end to Greenwood’s successful playing career with the club.
      The striker joined Utd aged just seven and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
      He faced a five-month internal investigation after he was charged with attempted rape, coercive control and assault.
      Greenwood’s future hung in the balance even when the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to proceed with the case.
      The club said 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.
      “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.”
      In 2019, Greenwood became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
      He has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
      In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave the striker his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
      He missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
      Read More on The Sun
      Greenwood had been at the club since he was sevenCredit: PA More

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      Wolves stewards handed shocking list of SEVENTEEN homophobic chants to listen out for during Brighton game

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      WOLVES have released a list of homophobic chants they gave stewards to listen out for during Saturday’s clash with Brighton.The West Midlands outfit were heavily beaten by the Seagulls 4-1 as they continued to struggle on the pitch.
      Stewards were handed lists of chants to listen out for against BrightonCredit: Getty
      However, some of the attention was on the terraces as stewards and security staff were told of 17 potential anti-gay songs that might be sung.
      The move was part of the club’s efforts to help make a matchday more fun for all fans.
      The list of prohibited chants and gestures has been pictured and includes chants on it as well as instructions to how away supporters might react.
      Among the chants were: “Soft Southern p******s” and “You only sing when you’re b***ing”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      It also included orders for the stewards to “give a summary of the issue and description of the person involved”.
      Stewards and staff are also asked to relay accurate and clear information on the person’s location and to check if they are in the view of a camera.
      The Daily Mail have reported that Wolves insist that the document is aimed at helping stewards spot discrimination.
      Last season the club was fined £100,000 for homophobic chants during the game against Chelsea at Molineux.
      Most read in Football
      Brighton beat Wolves 4-1 on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      The club also saw five fans ejected from the match against Brighton last season for homophobic chanting, three of which were then followed up by West Midlands Police.
      Two of the three then faced criminal convictions.
      A club statement read: ‘With Wolves set to host Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux this weekend, the club is reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination of any kind.
      “Supporters who are not prosecuted by police or issued a Football Banning Order are still at risk of being banned from all Wolves matches if deemed to have contravened Wolves’ Acceptable Behaviour Policy.
      “Whilst creating an incredible atmosphere at Molineux is what our supporters do best, Wolves urge fans to consider the acceptability of their behaviour and whether it crosses a line into discrimination or illegality while thinking also of the other people in the stadium who may be impacted as a result of their actions.
      “For avoidance of doubt, homophobic abuse is considered a hate crime in the UK. And while the laws predominantly deal with crimes committed directly against LGBTQ+ people, it also includes crimes committed where the suspect has mistakenly identified another person as belonging to or associated with the LGBTQ+ community and/or a protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010.” More

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      Richard Arnold’s statement in full as Mason Greenwood’s Man Utd career is OVER after internal investigation

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      MANCHESTER United chief executive Richard Arnold has released a lengthy statement following the announcement that Mason Greenwood’s career at the club is over.The striker, 21, has today come to a “collaborative decision” with club bosses that he will not be making a comeback.
      Greenwood will not be returning to UtdCredit: PA
      In a statement released this afternoon, Utd confirmed they had finished the probe into Greenwood.
      But they did not reveal what his future holds – including whether his £75,000-a-week contract will be terminated or if he will be put on loan or sold.
      The Bradford-born baller also released a statement admitting he had “made mistakes” and is now focused on being “a father as well as a good partner”.
      Greenwood’s fate had remained uncertain after he was suspended by Utd in the wake of his charge for attempted rape, assault and coercive control – even after the case was dropped.
      READ MORE ON GREENWOOD

      Chief exec Arnold was previously reported to have been considering giving the star a second chance.
      But backlash from fans and protests outside Old Trafford saw him reconsider.
      Following an official statement from the Premier League giants on Monday, Arnold sent an open letter to all employees at the club explaining their decision.
      It read: “Dear Colleagues, Now that we have concluded and announced the outcome of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I want to share with you more information about the process and the reasons for our decision.
      Most read in Football
      “This was an internal disciplinary investigation between employer and employee which would ordinarily take place outside of the public eye.
      “Given the public nature of the allegations and Mason’s profile, I acknowledge that this was not an ordinary situation, but I felt it important that we still follow due process and, so far as possible, avoid media comment until I had made a definitive decision.
      “While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him and the importance of making a decision based on full information.
      “Until February this year, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
      “It was only when charges were dropped that the club discussed the allegations with Mason and others involved in the case.
      “Our investigation sought to collate as much evidence as possible to establish facts and context.
      “This was not a quick or straightforward process for a variety of reasons.”
      Arnold went on to add that it was important that they respected the wishes of the alleged victim at all times.
      He continued: “It was essential for us to respect the rights and wishes of the alleged victim.
      “Also, we have limited powers of investigation which meant we were reliant on third party cooperation.
      “Timings have also been influenced by my desire to minimise the impact of the investigation on our men’s and women’s teams, as well as our Lionesses.
      “I acknowledge that this gave more time for speculation, but the alternative would have been to compromise due process or create untimely disruption.
      “While we were unable to access certain evidence for reasons we respect, the evidence we did collate led us to conclude that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with.
      While we were unable to access certain evidence for reasons we respect, the evidence we did collate led us to conclude that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged withMan Utd chief exec Richard Arnold
      “I am restricted as to what I can say for legal reasons, including the alleged victim’s ongoing right to anonymity, but I am able to share the following with you which should give you some insight into the complexity of this case: The alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022.
      “The alleged victim’s family participated in the process and were given the opportunity to review and correct our factual findings. Last week the media reported that we had decided to reintegrate Mason and that elements of a plan to do so had been leaked to them.
      “Reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for.
      “For context, over the course of the past six months several outcomes have been contemplated and planned for, and my view has evolved as our process progressed.
      “While the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors and views into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.
      “While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for.
      “Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.
      “Although we have decided on a way forward, that does not signal the end of this matter.
      “Manchester United will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.
      We must now focus on delivering the results expected of this clubArnold
      “I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts and opinions with the club.
      “I acknowledge that some may still disagree with aspects of the process, but I hope that this letter will help our fans and colleagues understand the decision and how it was reached.
      “Thank you for your patience over recent weeks and for everything you do for Manchester United.
      Read More on The Sun
      “As I mentioned in my start-of-season note last week, as a club we can build on the progress made last season and continue to raise the bar.
      “You are vital to this and we must now focus on delivering the results expected of this club.”
      Greenwood’s statement in full
      “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.
      “I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner. 
      “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.
      “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.” More

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      I fully accept mistakes & will continue my career elsewhere, Mason Greenwood says in statement as he leaves Man Utd

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      MASON Greenwood has today broken his silence as Man Utd revealed his career with Old Trafford was over.The striker, 21, had been eyeing a comeback to the Premier League side after the attempted rape case against him was dropped earlier this year.
      Mason Greenwood has spoken out after Manchester United revealed he would not return to the clubCredit: Getty
      The striker has been suspended since being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault last JanuaryCredit: Getty
      However, concluding its investigation, the club said that it had been “mutually agreed” that he would not make a return.
      In a statement this afternoon, Greenwood said he “fully accepts” his mistakes and vowed to continue his career elsewhere.
      Greenwood said: “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.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      “However, I fully accept I made mistakes…and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
      He added: “I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
      “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.
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      “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.
      “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.”
      Greenwood has been suspended since January last year when he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
      Charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour were brought against him in October but were dropped in February this year.
      The Crown Prosecution Service said that “key witnesses” had withdrawn from the investigation and “new information” had come to light.
      However, he remained sidelined by United while an internal probe was carried out.
      The Sun exclusively revealed last week that club bosses were set to bring Greenwood back into the fold.
      The reports prompted a significant backlash from fans in the run-up to today’s decision.
      Prominent fans including Countdown’s Rachel Riley urged the club not to allow Greenwood to return, with the TV star even saying she would pull her support if they did. More