What Roberto De Zerbi said about Mason Greenwood amid backlash from Tottenham fans | OneFootball

Spurs fan groups opposed to appointment of Italian because of his previous support for Greenwood at Marseille

Tottenham are facing a backlash over their move for Roberto De Zerbi over his previous support for Mason Greenwood.

De Zerbi is in advanced talks to take over at Spurs after being offered a five-year contract following the departure of Igor Tudor.

Spurs are increasingly confident of landing the Italian to take over immediately as they attempt to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

But their move for De Zerbi has been opposed by some Spurs fans because of the way he supported Greenwood.

De Zerbi managed Greenwood at Marseille

AFP via Getty Images

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 in the October with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood had 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.

The CPS said “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”.

So what did De Zerbi say about Greenwood?

Last November, De Zerbi insisted Greenwood was a “good guy” while suggesting he had paid a “heavy price” over the criticism he received after his arrest in 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault. Greater Manchester Police later dropped charges.

Greenwood’s move from Manchester United to Marseille was a major controversy in France but De Zerbi refused to criticise him during his time at the Ligue 1 club.

When asked about a proposed deal for Greenwood before he signed, De Zerbi said: “Mason is a world-class player, but we have not recruited him yet. I don’t know what happened, but I am not used to get involved in my players’ private life.

In November, De Zerbi says he was “saddened” by how Greenwood has been portrayed in England.

Greenwood’s move to Marseille was a major controversy in France

AFP via Getty Images

“He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price,” he said.

“He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He’s a little bit introverted but I know him and his family.

“It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England.”

A number of supporter groups are opposed to the appointment of De Zerbi.

THFC Flags, a fan-led group that organises banners in the stands, have joined the “No to De Zerbi” campaign.

“Tottenham Hotspur claims to be a club that prides itself on being inclusive, supportive and safe,” the group said.

Proud Lilywhites, Spurs’ official LGBTQ+ fans’ group, added: “When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals.”

Women of the Lane, whose stated aim is to eradicate sexism and misogyny in football, said De Zerbi’s comments raised “serious questions about judgement and leadership”.