Mason Greenwood releases statement after being cleared of all charges against him
Mason Greenwood has issued a statement after charges of assault and attempted rape against the 21-year-old footballer were dropped.
He said: "I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment at this time."
The footballer had been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault on 30 January 2022 after images and videos were posted online.
He was then charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October of last year.
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However, charges against the footballer were today (2 February) dropped with Greater Manchester Police's Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr confirming the news.
She said 'this decision has not been taken lightly' and reiterated that GMP were committed to 'investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected'.
Chief Superintendent Kerr stated that the police would continue to support women and girls 'throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them'.
She said: "An ever-increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
"If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help."
The Crown Prosecution Service said it had a 'duty to stop the case' after the 'withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light'.
They explained that there was 'no longer a realistic prospect of conviction' and they therefore had to drop charges against Greenwood.
A trial date for the footballer had been set at 27 November this year.
Since his initial arrest, Greenwood has not played for or trained with Manchester United, with the club announcing back then that he would be kept away 'until further notice'.
Greenwood is not yet returning to training or the match as United today released a statement on the matter.
It read: "Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.
"The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete."
Topics: UK News, Sport, Crime, Football, Manchester United
Joe Harker