Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi apologises for Mason Greenwood defence after fan backlash

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Evening Standard

·2. April 2026

Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi apologises for Mason Greenwood defence after fan backlash

Supporters groups objected to Italian’s hire due to relationship with Marseille striker

Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for offending Tottenham fans after defending Mason Greenwood’s character while at Marseille.

The 46-year-old Italian was appointed Tottenham manager on a long-term deal on Monday, with the tricky task of saving Spurs from relegation top of his to-do list.

Some supporters, though, have taken issue with his relationship with English forward Greenwood.

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Greenwood was arrested on January 31, 2022, on suspicion of rape and assault. He was further arrested on February 1, 2022, on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. He was charged that October with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood denied the charges.

He had been due to stand trial in November 2023 but the charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service [CPS] in early February 2023, citing “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”.

Speaking in November, though, De Zerbi described Greenwood as “a good guy” and said he had paid a “heavy price” for his 2022 arrest.

Several Tottenham fan groups recognised by the club have criticised the move to appoint De Zerbi due to his defence of the player.

In his first interview as Tottenham manager, though, he has responded to their concerns.

Speaking in his native Italian, he said: “I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly.

“In my life, I’ve always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.”

He continued, insisting that he would not put his morals aside to bolster his chances of success on the pitch.

“Those of you who know me well will know that I’m not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.

“I’m sorry if I offended anyone’s feelings with this subject matter. I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been.

“I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance.”

Greenwood was a regular under De Zerbi at Marseille, scoring 44 goals in 68 appearances for the Italian before he left his post in February of this year.

De Zerbi will debut with Tottenham as they visit Sunderland on April 12.