Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has seen the rape and assault charges against him dropped, around a year after he had initially been arrested.
Greenwood was arrested in January last year and was suspended by the club soon after, before he was later released on bail, and has not trained or played for the club since.
Last October, the forward was arrested for a second time, after breaching his bail conditions, and he was due to stand trial in November.
However, on Thursday afternoon it was confirmed that the 21-year-old would no longer be facing any charges.
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A statement from Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Greater Manchester Police's Head of Public Protection, said, "Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
"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."
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Services, explained, "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's most recent appearance for United was starting in a game against West Ham United on January 22nd last year, in a game in which Marcus Rashford scored the only goal of the game.
He was arrested just over a week later, and was dropped by sponsors, saw himself removed from video games and reportedly lost the support of his teammates.
Greenwood has played 129 times in all competitions for the Old Trafford side, scoring 35 times for them, having joined as a child, and made his senior debut in March 2019 in the Champions League.
The forward has also made one appearance for the senior national team, in 2021, before being dropped following an incident with a fan in a hotel during Covid lockdowns.
Topics: Mason Greenwood, Manchester United
Ryan Sidle