“SPEAK UP, STAND UP” The silence of former players in reaction to Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood’s alleged actions has been astounding. Photos: EPA | African News Agency (ANA) By: Michael Sherman While social media is, almost, universal in its condemnation of Manchester United star Mason Greenwood following rape and assault allegations, the silence from former players is deafening. Since the allegations against the 20-year-old Greenwood surfaced, there has been little to no criticism of his alleged actions from former players with a huge following on social media. Though Greater Manchester Police did not name Greenwood, it released a statement saying a man had been arrested following sexual assault allegations. “Greater Manchester Police were made aware earlier of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence. “An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing,” said the statement. Although Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have made the news for un-following Greenwood on social media, that is hardly worth anything with the platform these people have to support
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood.
victims of abuse and rape. However, current players are likely prohibited from commenting on the situation and could risk their employment if they say anything. Retired footballers though, could say something along the lines of “I support the victims of assault” which would also cover themselves in the event Greenwood is proved innocent. Manchester United Football Club’s stance on the matter is this. “We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media. “We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.” Let’s not split hairs here, the allegations are not just of violence, but rape. The club could say it is against sexual assault. That it did not say so, does not exactly show strong support for victims. The club statement says the bare minimum, and for that they should not be applauded.
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Sexual assault is one of the most difficult types of charges to prove, unless the evidence is substantial. In the case against Greenwood, picture and audio evidence has been widely circulated. In theory, that should be enough for a case and possibly a conviction. But we’re talking about a successful, professional footballer at one of the world’s biggest clubs. Greenwood is wealthy and will have access to the best legal defence possible. A famous, ridiculously wealthy footballer has an even smaller chance of being proven guilty. Whether his case goes to court, and a trial is held, or not – those highly influential footballers have a duty, given their huge platforms, to support victims of sexual assault and surely don’t need to be told that.
RIGHT: Women march against Gender-Based Violence under the banner of #TheTotalShutDown.
