Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood was re-arrested yesterday for breaching his bail conditions by trying to contact the victim, his ex-partner who accused him of rape and abuse in January.
The 21-year-old player has been formally charged with attempted rape, assault and "controlling and coercive conduct" and is due to appear before Greater Manchester Magistrates Court next Monday, October 17, according to a statement from the Prosecutor's Office (CPS). .
Northwest CPS Deputy Chief Janet Potter explained that she has authorized police to file charges against Greenwood for "attempted rape, controlling and coercive conduct, and assault causing bodily harm," all referring to the same complainant. The decision was made after rape prosecutors reviewed evidence presented by Greater Manchester Police and cleared the indictment.
The player, separated from the team since he was arrested in January this year and later released on bail, had been arrested again for allegedly violating the conditions of his bail, imposed after his arrest in January. Already then, Manchester United separated him from the team and last night, after learning the latest news about the case, he issued a statement reiterating this measure: “Manchester United is aware that the Crown Prosecution Service has filed criminal charges against Greenwood. The player is still suspended by the club and is awaiting the outcome of this judicial process," reads the brief statement.
As reported by the BBC, his arrest occurred this Saturday at his home in Bowdon, in the Manchester region. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said in a statement collected by the British public corporation that they were made aware of "an allegation that a 21-year-old man had breached his bail conditions and an arrest was made on Saturday." According to the Daily Mail newspaper, the young player, who was once an England international, is believed to have breached his bail by trying to contact his alleged victim.
Greenwood was released from his first arrest on February 2, after which his bail had been extended twice, the last time in June. The striker was accused in January by his then-partner of abuse and rape, through videos and photographs that he posted on his social networks.
The images provided by Harriet Robson, Greenwood's ex-girlfriend, are disturbing, showing bruises and cuts, in addition to having come to light an audio in which the soccer player allegedly forces Robson to have sex with him.
United have removed him from the team, and he will not train or play with the 'Red Devils' until the facts are clarified. His last appearance with the English team shirt dates back to January 22, although he continues to receive his salary. Nor has he been called up again with the English team and as a result of his arrest, Nike terminated its sponsorship agreement with the player and Electronica Arts eliminated him from the templates in its FIFA 22 video game.
