PREMIER League clubs including Man Utd failed to complete sexual consent training amid the Mason Greenwood saga.Top-tier chiefs made the “safeguarding and healthy relationships training” a requirement for all clubs ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Man Utd did not offer sexual consent training to their first time amid the Greenwood sagaCredit: AP
But Utd were one of a number of teams who did not offer the training to first team players despite Greenwood’s arrest.
Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control but the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February.
It is understood the striker, who is not returning to Old Trafford, was offered the training along with other academy players.
But there were no clear guidelines provided by the Premier League on whether it was mandatory or not.
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As a result, around half of the 20 teams in the League last season did not complete the training, Tortois reports.
Premier League bosses will reportedly not be taking action against those clubs including Utd.
But the guidelines have been cleared up this season, meaning teams will be penalised if it is not completed.
A spokesperson for Utd told The Sun Online: “We take seriously our responsibilities to provide all mandatory training and education to our players, whether in our academy or first teams.
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“Sexual consent training has been provided to our academy players for many years, and it was already in our plans to be introduced to first team players this year, in line with new Premier League requirements.”
The face-to-face sessions are delivered to players, coaches and officials by qualified specialists in safeguarding concerns and sexual misconduct.
The move to include senior players and management was announced two years ago after increased pressure from women’s groups.
Until then, the Premier League only ran workshops for academy and first-team players from under-14s to under-23s.
Content includes sexual relationships, seeking consent, and understanding sexual harassment and bullying.
Teresa Parker from Women’s Aid said: “It is vital that all football teams have training on consent, and that guidelines are clear on what training needs to include, and also clear on the quality of the training expected.
“It is crucial that this training is not a tick-box exercise for players, but something that resonates with players and works with the club and its values. For this reason, it is also important to do evaluation with clubs, and to find out what is most effective.
“From speaking to clubs, and piloting workshops, I know that sometimes a recommended training provider is the right approach, but for others they develop something in house – and when this happens working with experts is really important, even if they are not the ones who will be delivering the training.
“I have seen the impact of effective training on young players, and know how important it is and the difference it makes.”
Utd announced on Monday that Greenwood would not be returning to the club after a dramatic 72-hour U-turn.
In a statement, they he would be leaving in what was branded a “collaborative decision”.
Yet it remains unclear whether Greenwood’s £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or if he would be sold or sent out on loan.
United risk losing millions if Greenwood doesn’t find a move elsewhere before the transfer window closes this time next week.
Greenwood joined Utd aged just seven and rose through the ranks to land himself a regular spot on the first team.
In 2019, he became the youngest footballer to play for United in the Champions League when he took to the pitch aged 17.
The striker has made 129 appearances in total for the Red Devils and netted 35 goals.
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In 2020, England manager Gareth Southgate gave him his first cap when Greenwood came off the bench in a 1-0 win against Iceland.
The Premier League said it does not comment on individual clubs.
Greenwood has remained an exile since he was dumped by the clubCredit: Reuters More
