Mason Greenwood to OM? The mayor of Marseille opposes the arrival of the English player, who has been accused of domestic violence

For several days, Olympique de Marseille has been talking to Mason Greenwood (21 years old), accused of domestic violence in January 2022, before the charges were dropped.

France Télévisions – Sports Editorial

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Mason Greenwood in the Getafe jersey, on February 1, 2024, in Madrid. (JOSE BRETON / NURPHOTO)

Anger is brewing in the Old Port. For several days, Olympique de Marseille has been talking with Mason Greenwood (21 years old), English striker from Manchester United, who is coming off a successful season at Getafe, in Spain (10 goals and 7 assists in 35 games). If the recruitment is still far from being finalized according to our information, it is in any case making a part of the Marseille public grumble.

And for good reason: in January 2022, Mason Greenwood was accused of domestic violence and attempted rape by his partner, Harriet Robson, with photos and voice messages to support his claim. His club, Manchester United, then decided to suspend him, while Nike terminated its contract with the England international. While the charges were dropped in February 2023 following the “withdrawal of key witnesses”Manchester United had decided to permanently dismiss the player.

Since then, the player and his partner have had a child and Mason Greenwood has resumed his career. Loaned last season to the Spanish club Getafe, the English international has regained a certain sporting popularity, despite the accusations that have hung over him. To the point of interesting Olympique de Marseille, who are among the clubs in discussions with him at the beginning of July.

This possible transfer has caused a reaction in the Phocaean city. The mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, questioned by RMC, firmly opposed the arrival of Greenwood: “I don’t want my club to be covered in the shame of someone who hits his wife. I don’t want my club to be covered in the ashes of someone who hits his wife like that. It’s not acceptable.”

And the mayor of Marseille added: “I can’t imagine for a second that Pablo Longoria [le président de l’OM] make this major mistake. Greenwood’s behavior is unspeakable, unacceptable. Hitting his wife… I saw images that deeply shocked me. Massacring his wife in this way is unworthy of a man and I believe he cannot have a place in this team.” A hashtag opposing his arrival was also launched, while the new OM coach, Roberto De Zerbi, dodged the issue.


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