Public opinion and media debates around Mason Greenwood—discover key moments of controversy.
Mason Greenwood is an English professional footballer currently playing as a forward for Marseille in Ligue 1. He rose through the ranks of Manchester United's academy, demonstrating significant goal-scoring potential. However, his career was halted due to serious allegations of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour made against him in early 2022. While initial criminal charges were dropped, Manchester United conducted an internal investigation, ultimately leading to his departure from the club and subsequent loan to Marseille.
From November 2018, Greenwood was alleged to have engaged in controlling and coercive behaviour, which later led to him being charged in October 2022.
In October 2021, an alleged incident of attempted rape occurred, which later led to Greenwood being charged in October 2022.
In December 2021, an alleged incident of assault occasioning actual bodily harm occurred, which later led to Greenwood being charged in October 2022.
On 30 January 2022, Greenwood was accused of assault by his girlfriend in a series of posts on her social media, including images, videos, and audio recordings.
On 30 January 2022, Mason Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United after being arrested on suspicion of rape.
In April 2022, Greenwood's bail was extended to mid-June during the ongoing investigation.
In October 2022, Mason Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
On 15 October 2022, Greenwood was arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. The same day, he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.
In 2022, Mason Greenwood had his initial arrest that lead to United conducting their own investigation after the criminal charges were dropped.
The allegations that caused Mason Greenwood arrest in 2022 had United conduct its final stage of their investigation by August 2023.
In February 2023, all charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped.
In February 2023, the criminal charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material.
On 2 February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and "new material that came to light".
According to Manchester United's CEO Richard Arnold, in August 2023, the "alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022".
In early August 2023, Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold informed top executives of intentions to reintegrate Mason Greenwood into playing for United.
On 16 August 2023, Manchester United publicly announced that the club was in its "final stages" of considering Mason Greenwood's future at the club, after completing an investigation into the allegations that caused his 2022 arrest.
On 21 August 2023, Manchester United announced that Mason Greenwood would be leaving the club by mutual agreement. Greenwood acknowledged his mistakes and accepted responsibility.
On 2 January 2024, Greenwood was sent off in a game against Rayo Vallecano for swearing at the referee in English.
On 18 July 2024, Mason Greenwood joined Ligue 1 club Marseille on a five-year contract, a move which was criticised by the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan.