I’ve been a Man Utd fan since before I was born – club handled Mason Greenwood decision horrendously, Rachel Riley says
LIFELONG Man Utd fan Rachel Riley has accused the club of handling the Mason Greenwood saga “appallingly”.
The Countdown host and lifelong Red Devils supporter hit out at the club in a lengthy tweet today.
Rachel slammed the team’s handling over the decision to axe Greenwood following his arrest for assault, attempted rape and coercive control.
The Crown Prosecution Service chose not to proceed with the case against him but the club carried out their own probe into the claims.
Rachel shared two images – one of her as a baby with a Utd teddy and a second with her two children wearing official kits.
She said the decision to get rid of Greenwood was “right” but the statement released was “horrendous”.
Rachel added: “I’ve been a red since before I was born, I’ve passed it on to my baby girls and some of the all time best times of my life have been working with, and cheering on Man United, so I write with such a heavy heart – as a club we’ve handled this appallingly.”
The TV star has been vocal of the Greenwood situation and threatened to pull her support for Utd if they backed him.
She yesterday praised a “great statement” released by Women’s Aid after the club revealed their decision.
The announcement brings an end to a 19-month saga for Utd after Greenwood’s arrest last January.
He was at the centre of a five month investigation by bosses despite the charges already being dropped against him in February.
The team said Greenwood “did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged” after carrying out a probe.
They added they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
Utd confirmed they examined evidence that was “not in the public domain”, including “from those with direct knowledge of the case”.
The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.
“That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.
“It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
Greenwood also released a statement where he insisted he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand my responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
“However, I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me.
“The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.
“I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown.
“I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”