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

    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.
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    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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    Ryan Giggs watches match from the stands in first outing since domestic violence charges dropped

    STONY-faced Ryan Giggs watches from the stands in his first outing since domestic violence charges against him were dropped.The ex-Wales boss, 49, made a rare public appearance alongside girlfriend Zara Charles as Salford City drew 2-2 with West Brom in a pre-season friendly.
    A stony-face Ryan Giggs watches Salford City draw 2-2 with West Brom in a pre-season friendlyCredit: Rex
    Charges against Giggs were dropped because the victim ‘indicated an unwillingness’ to continueCredit: EPA
    Prosecutors abandoned the star’s retrial after the alleged victim – Giggs’ ex-partner Kate Greville – “indicated an unwillingness” to continue.
    Jurors previously failed to reach a verdict over the allegations last August.
    Giggs is said to be plotting a remarkable football comeback over “unfinished business” with the game.
    A source said: “The last three years his life has been put on hold, but he’s a huge football man.
    READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
    “He’s been found not guilty and wants to get back into the game. He’s football through and through.”
    The one-time Man United manager quit his job as Wales coach last year in the wake of the allegations.
    Giggs is a co-owner of League Two outfit Salford alongside ex-United stars David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville & Paul Scholes.
    Giggs, 48, was accused of assaulting Kate Greville at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
    Most read in Football
    He was also charged with attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period. More

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    Mason Greenwood case means all Premier League clubs ‘need to do more to stop “terrifying” domestic abuse’, expert says

    THE Premier League should do more to fight domestic violence in light of Mason Greenwood’s suspension, Women’s Aid has said.The 21-year-old striker has not played for Manchester United since he was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022.
    Mason Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault in January 2022Credit: Reuters
    All charges against him were dropped in February this year, but he remains the subject of an internal process being conducted by United.
    While there has been speculation about whether he will ever play for the club again, he is still under contract until 2025.
    Now Women’s Aid has argued all clubs should “work with specialists” to understand “the dynamics of domestic abuse”.
    The charity also called on Premier League clubs to “develop” domestic abuse policies and procedures.
    Read more Sport News
    A Women’s Aid spokesperson: “Regardless of the outcome in this case, it shows why it is essential that all football clubs have domestic abuse policies and clear safeguarding processes in place.
    “Domestic abuse and rape are terrifyingly prevalent across society, many women who are abused will never see the perpetrator convicted, and clubs need to work with specialists in domestic abuse – like us at Women’s Aid – to ensure there is full understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse within the club, and develop relevant policies and procedures for a range of different potential situations.”
    The Red Devils said in February that it would conduct its own process before determining next steps.
    There has been no further official communication over Greenwood’s position, other than his inclusion on the retained players list, which was published on the club’s website on Friday.
    Most read in Football
    The case against him was discontinued because of a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light.
    It meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction, the Crown Prosecution Service said in February, adding that it had a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    It comes as The Sun revealed manager Erik ten Hag is willing to bring Greenwood back into his squad.
    And most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
    Greenwood, who hit 36 goals in 130 games for United, still has two years left on his £75,000-a-week contract. More

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    Scots footballer Paul Tansey leaves club after domestic abuse conviction outrage

    CONVICTED footballer Paul Tansey has left his club – hours after Scottish Women’s Aid called for him to be removed.Tansey, 37, attacked Scotland international Lisa Robertson during a brutal 10-month long ordeal.
    Paul Tansey is no longer with Whitehill Welfare FCCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    His signing last month sparked outrageCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The convicted brute is now no longer with the Midlothian side Whitehill Welfare FC – after news of his signing last month sparked outrage.
    In a statement posted to Twitter at 10 o’clock last night, the club said: “Whitehill Welfare FC can confirm that Paul Tansey has left the club. We will be making no further comment on this matter.”
    The move came mere hours after Scottish Women’s Aid called for the convicted domestic abuser to be removed from the team.
    In a statement yesterday, the charity said: “Scottish Women’s Aid and Women’s Aid East and Midlothian have today issued a call for Whitehill Welfare FC to listen to the community and remove convicted domestic abuse Paul Tansey from their team.”
    Women’s Aid Chief Exec Dr Marsha Scott yesterday likened Tansey’s hiring to Raith Rovers signing rapist David Goodwillie earlier this year – sparking a national backlash.
    Welcoming the news, Scottish Women’s Aid shared the club’s statement saying: “We are glad to see this after action from the local community and calls from ourselves, @WomensAidEML and others.
    “Disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement for the harmful message they sent to survivors by signing an abuser, but nevertheless this is a positive outcome.”
    The thug was axed from his contract with junior side Penicuik Athletic as news of his violent offences came to light.
    Most read in The Sun
    Tansey, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, pled guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to assaulting Lisa, 30, after he turned up at her home in a jealous rage and smashed her door.
    The offences, which included monitoring her phone, pestering her, insulting her and threatening suicide when she dumped him, happened between July 2020 and May 2021.
    Tansey – the brother of ex-Celtic player Leigh Griffiths – was arrested last May after he turned up at Lisa’s home in Edinburgh despite the her making it crystal clear the relationship was over.
    After headbutting her Tansey fled – leaving Lisa with a black eye – but then subjected her to hundreds of unanswered calls the following day.
    The violent lout also admitted launching a cup of hot tea at Ms Robertson and to damaging her front door amid another fiery confrontation.
    He was given a five year non-harassment order and 80 hours unpaid work.
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