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    Gary Neville sparks Twitter storm after liking tweet about Mason Greenwood before deleting it and apologising

    FOOTIE pundit Gary Neville sparked a Twitter storm last night after liking, retweeting and then deleting a tweet about Mason Greenwood.The Manchester United striker, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped on Thursday.
    Gary Neville sparked a Twitter storm after liking, retweeting and then deleting a tweet about Mason GreenwoodCredit: PA
    Mason Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped on ThursdayCredit: AFP
    Fury erupted online when Neville engaged with a post from Nazir Afzal, the former CPS director of public prosecutions.
    Mr Afzal said Greenwood was “an innocent man, that’s all we need to know” adding “You are innocent till PROVEN guilty”.
    He went on: “We don’t have trial by media. We don’t have evidence that any witnesses were lying. We don’t do “victim or complainant blaming”.
    The comments sparked fury with many referencing the photos and audio clip that saw Greenwood arrested and charged for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    Read More on Mason Greenwood
    The claims, now dropped, related to one woman and are said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    Neville, 47, swiftly removed his engagement with the post, before issuing an apology.
    The former Man U right back said: “I liked a tweet relating to the Mason Greenwood news this afternoon from Nazir Afzal. ( the former director of public prosecutions).
    “This like is being misinterpreted. It was a clumsy like as I obviously condemn any violence against women.”
    Most read in Football
    After the charges were dropped by the CPS, Greenwood said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
    “There will be no further comment at this time.”
    ‘DETERMINING NEXT STEPS’
    It follows a statement from his club where they said they are now “determining next steps” for the player.
    They added: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
    “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
    Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    A spokesperson Crown Prosecution Service said today: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Fury erupted online when Neville engaged with a post from Nazir Afzal, the former director of public prosecutionsCredit: Twitter
    Mr Neville apologised for engaging in Nazi Afzal’s tweetCredit: Twitter More

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    Mason Greenwood breaks his silence after attempted rape and assault charges dropped

    MASON Greenwood has broken his silence after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.The Manchester United striker, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
    Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him droppedCredit: Reuters
    He has now broken his silenceCredit: AFP
    “There will be no further comment at this time.”
    It follows a statement from his club where they said they will now “determine next steps” for the player.
    The club added: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
    “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
    Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    And his name has remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website.
    Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    Most read in Football
    The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
    A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
    He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
    The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
    But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
    He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
    Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
    All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
    Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
    The player joined the club aged just six 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.
    Greenwood 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.
    Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
    Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
    Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
    “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
    Read More on The Sun
    “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
    “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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    Manchester United releases statement after Mason Greenwood has all charges dropped

    MANCHESTER United says it is “determining next steps” after all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against Mason Greenwood were dropped.The striker’s club added in a statement: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
    Mason Greenwood was cleared of all charges todayCredit: Getty
    His club Man Utd released a statement after Greenwood was cleared of all chargesCredit: AFP
    “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.”
    It comes after Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    He broke his silence on the matter this afternoon, saying: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
    “There will be no further comment at this time.”
    Read More in Football
    His name has also remained on Man Utd’s first-team squad list on its official website.
    Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
    Most read in Football
    A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
    He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
    The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
    But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
    He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
    Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
    All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
    Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
    The player joined the club aged just six 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.
    Greenwood 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.
    Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
    Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
    Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
    “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
    Read More on The Sun
    “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
    “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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    Mason Greenwood remains on Man United’s Premier League squad list after charges dropped

    MASON Greenwood has remained on Manchester United’s squad list after his charges were dropped. The forward, 21, has his name on the first-team page on the official website in a possible indication he could resume his football career.
    Mason Greenwood’s player profile is still on the websiteCredit: manutd.com
    It could be an indication he may restart his football careerCredit: manutd.com
    The striker today has all charges against him droppedCredit: PA
    His biography reads: “An exciting striker who has been well ahead of schedule in terms of his progress through the ranks at United and has made a huge impact in 2019/20.”
    He today had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.
    Greenwood was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    He was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    READ MORE ON SPORT
    The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
    A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
    Most read in Football
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
    He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
    The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
    But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
    He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
    Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
    All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
    Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
    The player joined the club aged just six 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.
    Greenwood 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.
    Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
    Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
    Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
    “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
    Read More on The Sun
    “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
    “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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    What were the charges against Mason Greenwood and why have they been dropped?

    THE Crown Prosecution has today confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.The 21-year-old Manchester United striker was first arrested amid allegations after images and videos emerged online.
    The CPS has confirmed all charges against Mason Greenwood have been droppedCredit: Reuters
    What were the charges against Mason Greenwood?
    Mason Greenwood was accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    The footballer was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years.
    This included making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
    Read More on Mason Greenwood
    He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
    When was Mason Greenwood arrested?
    Greenwood was first arrested in January 2022, after police swooped in on his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford.
    He was originally remanded in custody after and spent three nights there, before being charged by police on October 15.
    However, a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    Most read in Sport
    The 21-year-old was then due to stand trial in November.
    He was also suspended from Man Utd, but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    Why were the charges dropped against Mason Greenwood?
    The CPS said that their decision to drop the charges was made with the case under “continuous review”.
    They also said the decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
    Speaking on the case, a CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, added: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
    “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
    Read More on The Sun
    “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
    “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.” More

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    Mason Greenwood has charges of attempted rape and assault DROPPED more than a year after Man Utd star was arrested

    MASON Greenwood today had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control against him dropped.The Manchester United striker, 21, was first arrested in January last year after police swooped on his mansion.
    Mason Greenwood has had all charges against him droppedCredit: PA
    Greenwood was due to stand trial in November accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
    The Crown Prosecution today confirmed they had dropped all charges against him.
    A spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
    “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
    Read more on Mason Greenwood
    “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
    “We have explained our decision to all parties.
    “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
    Greenwood last appeared in court in November where a trial date was set for November 23 this year.
    Most read in Football
    The alleged offences related to one woman and were said to have taken place between November 1, 2018, and October 15, 2022.
    Greenwood was accused of “repeatedly engaging” in controlling and coercive behaviour for almost four years – including making threats and derogatory comments on social media.
    He was also charged with attempting to rape the woman on October 21, 2021, and allegedly assaulted her between December 12, 2021, and December 31, 2021.
    The footballer was originally remanded in custody after being charged by police on October 15.
    But a judge released him on the condition he does not contact witnesses, including the complainant, and resides at an address in Bowdon.
    The striker also spent three nights in custody after he was arrested at his £15,000-a-month rented home in Trafford last January.
    He was suspended from Utd but still received his £75,000-a-week salary.
    Greenwood was removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.
    Football Manager 2022 also confirmed he would not feature in the game.
    All merchandise bearing the No11’s name was axed from the official Utd site and teammates unfollowed him on Instagram.
    Greenwood last played for the Red Devils on January 22 last year when the team beat West Ham 1-0.
    The player joined the club aged just six 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.
    Greenwood 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.
    Greenwood missed out on last year’s Three Lions’ World Cup campaign in Qatar as the case went to court.
    Utd have not yet released a statement following the development.
    Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said today: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
    “Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
    “I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
    “An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
    “If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Greenwood was due to stand trial in NovemberCredit: PA
    The footballer was first arrested last January and spent three nights in custodyCredit: Reuters
    A court sketch shows the footballer in courtCredit: PA More

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    Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes charged after ‘high-speed police chase through red lights’ weeks after arrest

    A FORMER Arsenal star has been charged with dangerous driving just weeks after a first arrest for the same offence.Anthony Stokes was held following an alleged police chase in Dublin through red lights in the early hours of yesterday morning.
    Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes has been charged with dangerous drivingCredit: Rex
    The 34-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving and failure to provide a sample when required.
    Former Irish international Stokes is due to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court at a later date.
    It comes just weeks after the forward was arrested when almost £4,000 worth of suspected cocaine was found in a car.
    He was also allegedly involved in a police pursuit in that incident too after the vehicle sped off from cops.
    Read more on Arsenal
    Former Celtic and Hibs star Stokes spent a night in custody following the drama.
    He is due to appear in court on Friday over that alleged incident.
    In the latest charge, Stokes is accused of allegedly failing to stop for police in his Volkswagen Golf.
    The vehicle is then suspected of driving through a number of red lights at junctions as officers gave chase.
    Most read in Football
    It then came to a stop close to a roundabout around twenty minutes later.
    Troubled Stokes has been hauled before the courts on a number of occasions.
    In 2013, former Elvis impersonator Anthony Bradley, 55, suffered a broken nose after he was attacked by Stokes at a pub.
    Stokes admitted bombarding his ex-girlfriend Eilidh Scott with offensive text messages in 2019.
    He was due to be sentenced in Scotland but a warrant for his arrest was ordered after he failed to appear for sentencing.
    Stokes began his career in the Arsenal reserve team when he was aged 15.
    He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the League Cup against Sunderland in 2005.
    Stokes the moved on loan to Falkirk where he scored 16 goals in 18 league and cup appearances.
    The footballer was transferred by Arsenal to Sunderland for £2million in 2007 with ex-Ireland and Utd star Roy Keane at the helm.
    He made 36 appearances before moving to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace on loan.
    Stokes later made a return to the Scottish league playing for Hibs and Celtic as well as spells for Greek and Iranian clubs.
    Stokes began his senior career with ArsenalCredit: Rex
    The Irish international is due to appear in court on a later dateCredit: Getty

    Read More on The Sun More

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    Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo forced to call police as he’s confronted by angry Roma fans after transfer request

    TOTTENHAM transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo was forced to call the police after he was confronted by angry Roma fans.Zaniolo, 23, angered supporters after handing in a transfer request.
    Nicolo Zaniolo was chased by angry Roma fans and the police were calledCredit: Getty
    Manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that the 11-cap Italian has been asking to leave for a month and has missed the last three matchdays as a result.
    Mourinho said ahead of last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Serie A leaders Napoli: “It has been a month since the player said that he wants to leave.
    “After Spezia, I gave them a day off and an optional training session.
    “All those who didn’t play came to work and these are the ones we want.
    READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS
    “If a player tells everyone that he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt, I have to say that he stays in spite of me.
    “What I can say today is that Zaniolo will not be in Naples and I focus on those who will be.”
    And according to Calciomercato, following the loss, Roma ultras gathered in front of Zaniolo’s house in the Casal Palocco area of Rome.
    The report says the angry fans sang: “S**t! If we lost it’s all your fault. Go away!”
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Zaniolo was reportedly chased away by the angry fans and the police were called.
    The ultras quickly dispersed upon the police’s arrival.
    The playmaker’s mother, Francesca Costa, has called the hatred “excessive” after a wall in Trigoria had a message for Zaniolo which attacked her.
    Corriere Della Sera says a nasty message read: “Zaniolo executioner, your mother is a great s**t.”
    Francesca said: “Having originated all this hatred seems a little excessive to me.”
    Zaniolo has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
    Tottenham are one of many said to be keen on the Roma ace.
    Bournemouth were also rumoured to be monitoring Zaniolo’s situation, while Newcastle are said to be keen. More