Advertisement

Manchester United's Mason Greenwood 'no longer faces criminal proceedings' for rape and assault charges

United suspended Greenwood following 2022 allegations

Mason Greenwood was arrested in 2022 for sexual assault allegations. (Photo by Paul Currie/PA Images via Getty Images)
Mason Greenwood was arrested in 2022 for sexual assault allegations. (Photo by Paul Currie/PA Images via Getty Images) (Paul Currie - PA Images via Getty Images)

Warning: This post contains descriptions of abuse and sexual assault.

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood won't face charges of rape and assault after the Greater Manchester Police announced criminal proceedings were discontinued Thursday.

"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," Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said in a statement. "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."

Greenwood was arrested a year ago after graphic and disturbing images were posted on social media which showed Greenwood allegedly sexually assaulting his girlfriend. Manchester United suspended Greenwood indefinitely and Nike suspended its partnership with Greenwood soon after the allegations came to light.

Greenwood was later charged in October 2022, with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behavior and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges and case were dropped Thursday because of "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," according to a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson.

"I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support," Greenwood said in a statement, per the Sun. "There will be no further comment at this time."

United said in a statement Thursday that the club "will now conduct its own process before determining next steps" but would not comment further until that process was finished.