Manchester United fan and television presenter Rachel Riley has called for the club’s chief executive Richard Arnold to consider quitting over his handling of a row over Mason Greenwood.
Countdown‘s Riley was among female fans who had threatened to boycott the club last week after reports that extensive preparations were under way for the return of Greenwood, after criminal charges of attempted rape and controlling and coercive behaviour against him were dropped.
In a dramatic about-turn on Monday, Mr Arnold said he was convinced that Greenwood “did not commit the acts he was charged with” after an internal investigation at the club – but admitted his return to play would be a “distraction” and could not go ahead.
Speculation is rife that Greenwood, who remains under contract at United until 2025, could be offloaded to a club in Italy, Turkey or Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to the News Agents podcast, Riley said: “It seems to be they were dragged kicking and screaming, and I think Man United missed a massive opportunity. People wanted them to show zero tolerance to domestic abuse, violence against women and girls, and they had this opportunity.
“We’ve heard the words and seen the photos – they’ve made the right decision, but the statement that was put out proclaims someone innocent from a position which they did not have any remit to do.”
The criminal charges against Greenwood, which followed a series of disturbing recordings published on social media, were dropped on February – with prosecutors citing the “withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”.
Riley said: “To claim that the alleged victim of domestic abuse not proceeding with a conviction is equivalent to proof of innocence… that’s not an equivalent statement in the slightest.
“I don’t know how a CEO at Manchester United who has millions of pounds at stake is in any position to make a judgement on what’s happened, it’s been absolutely mismanaged. I’ve never been more ashamed of the club, it’s a disgrace.”
Asked if she believes Mr Arnold should consider his position, she said: “Yes, yes I do. I say this with such a heavy heart – as a fan, these players are heroes. but I can’t not speak out. To try and make it disappear, brush it under the carpet, that’s why we’re in this problem as a society. We just can’t trust the process and changes most definitely need to be made.
“I still love my club, but I sincerely hope that there’s a change in management. I think the club’s been on decline internally for a number of years and a lot of internal strife in many years in recent times. It’s a sad state of affairs when people are really hoping Qataris will come in, buy the club and clear out.”
Preparations for the since-aborted return of Greenwood were alleged to have included plans for photos to be taken of him at training sessions and an unreleased video message from Arnold, while the club also drew up a list of groups and public figures it feared could be “hostile” to the announcement, including domestic abuse charities.
Gary Neville, who spent two decades playing at Manchester United, has been among critics of the club’s actions over the affair.
He told Sky News on Tuesday: “It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again.
“I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant situations, and difficult situations like this, it requires strong authoritative leadership, and that comes from the very top… Manchester United don’t have that.”
Mason Greenwood said in a statement on Monday: “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship 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 in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
“I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
“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.”
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