Greenwood questioned on suspicion of threats to kill
The striker was detained on Sunday following the emergence of social media images showing an alleged victim
Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood faced a third night in police custody after he was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of threats to kill and sexual assault.
The striker was detained on Sunday following the emergence of social media images showing an alleged victim bleeding from the mouth, badly bruised and tearful.
Greenwood, 20, was initially held on suspicion of rape and assault.
He has been suspended by Manchester United and products bearing his name have been removed from the club’s online shop.
Nike, his sponsor, suspended his lucrative contract, and several club teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo, “unfollowed” him on social media.
On Monday Greenwood, who earns £75,000 a week, was removed from the Fifa football video game pending the outcome of the case.
EA Sports, the company that makes the game, confirmed the move, saying: “Mason Greenwood has been removed from active squads in Fifa 22 and has also been suspended from appearing in Fifa Ultimate Team packs and Ultimate Draft.”
The police action followed the publication of a series of images showing a young woman with bruises to her arms, legs and hip, as well as with tears in her eyes. One image showed her with a bloodied bottom lip and blood on her neck and chest.
Detectives secured a second warrant of further detention to interrogate Greenwood about the images and allegations against him.
He can be held for a maximum of 96 hours before he must be charged or released, whether on bail, under investigation or to face no further action.
The talented young forward, who has yet to respond to the claims, is represented by his father, who could not be contacted for comment.
Greater Manchester police said in a statement: “Detectives have been granted further additional time to speak to a man in his twenties who was arrested on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman.
“The suspect was detained in custody on Sunday afternoon after we became aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.
“He continues to be questioned after magistrates authorised an extension until [today]. Following inquiries so far, he has since been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
“Inquiries are ongoing and the victim continues to be offered specialist support. We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise [her] right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings.”
Manchester United issued a statement yesterday evening similar to the one it published on Sunday.
“Manchester United reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind,” a spokesman said. “As previously communicated Mason Greenwood will not train with or play for, the club until further notice.”
