Emergency meetings, surprise at the backlash and an eventual change in decision after a week of leaks
The reception to Greenwood’s potential return was hostile
Last October, the player was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood denied all the charges and they were dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying that “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction”.
The club also say they received explanations for the audio and video that were posted online and say they are satisfied that Greenwood did not physically abuse the complainant. While the club say these explanations were not contested by the complainant’s family, there has not been an explanation for what appeared to be very damning images and audio to the general public.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes … and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
Some employees felt appalled by the club’s plans around Greenwood, and United executives held multiple intense meetings with staff. Some had discussed resigning in the event United brought Greenwood back. Others started to research how to go on strike. Fans sent impassioned emails to Arnold on the topic, some of which have also been posted on social media. The club responded to the emails by telling supporters that United “are extremely mindful of their views” but added that the club “also believe that our decision in this case should be based primarily on the findings of our investigation”.
United insist their plan was never to delegate the decision-making to their female players but, rather, they but they did wish to give the team prior notice and the opportunity for feedback. If such feedback had proved overwhelmingly negative, then United may have been forced into re-thinking their decision, but the intention essentially revolved around delivering Arnold’s decision and United would have told stakeholders it had followed an objective fact-finding process.
The fans, who are all regular Old Trafford match-goers, made their feelings clear outside the stadium before United’s opening game of the season againstA banner, in United’s colours, read: “Female Fans Demand No Greenwood Return – End Violence Against Women.” Women’s Aid staff had been told by fans who protested against Greenwood’s return at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14, that supporters of all ages approached them to thank them, with some saying this situation has triggered difficult memories for them of abuse they had personally encountered.
In Wednesday’s statement, the club said that they retained a duty of care to an employee under contract and a man who had been on the club’s books since the age of seven. That sentiment was repeated on Monday, as United say they will work with Greenwood to find him a club to continue his career. The club also says it will seek to reinforce the education and welfare support provided to encourage healthy relationships and behaviours.
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