The charity Women’s Aid has welcomed the news that Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood will no longer play for the club. The decision comes after the 21-year-old England international was suspended by the Premier League club in January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman, which included attempts of domestic violence, rape, and assault. The allegations had been posted online, with audio and photos of alleged abuse shared on social media.
The charity, which works to end domestic abuse against women and children, has expressed its relief at the news, stating that the case had brought back painful memories for many people who have survived abuse. A spokeswoman for Women’s Aid noted that the way alleged domestic abuse cases are handled in football clubs has a significant impact on public understanding of what is accepted and tolerated in society. The charity emphasized that clubs must take an approach that goes beyond the criminal justice system, addressing the attitudes that underpin domestic and sexual abuse.
Women’s Aid emphasized the importance of working with players from a young age to make it clear that clubs stand against sexism and misogyny. This is a widespread issue that extends beyond football, with misogynistic content widely available on social media, and it is essential to recognize the harmful attitudes that are prevalent and address them.
The charity’s statement comes as Manchester United announced on Monday that an agreement had been reached for Greenwood to continue his career away from Old Trafford. Before this, Greenwood was facing charges, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced in February this year that the case had been discontinued due to a lack of evidence.
Mason Greenwood (Via Mason Greenwood/Twitter)
The Manchester United Supporters Trust, a group that represents the interests of fans, has criticized the club’s handling of the case, stating that it has been allowed to drag out for too long. However, the group acknowledges that the club has made the right decision in allowing Greenwood to move on.
The charity’s statement highlights the urgent need for football clubs to strengthen their policies and procedures for handling allegations of domestic abuse. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that social media can have on survivors of abuse and the importance of addressing harmful attitudes and behaviors in society. As Women’s Aid emphasizes, clubs must work with players from a young age to promote a culture of respect and to tackle the root causes of domestic and sexual abuse.
The charity’s call to action highlights the need for football clubs to adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the criminal justice system, addressing the attitudes and behaviors that underpin domestic and sexual abuse. This requires a commitment to working with players, staff, and fans to promote a culture of respect and to tackle the root causes of abuse. By doing so, women’s Aid hopes that football clubs can play a vital role in preventing abuse and supporting survivors.
