Charges against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood have been dismissed.
Mason Greenwood, a Manchester United forward, has had his rape and assault charges dropped, nearly a year after being detained.
Greenwood was arrested in January of last year and was immediately suspended by the club before being freed on bond. He has not trained or played for the club since.
The forward was detained for the second time last October after violating his release conditions, and he was scheduled to stand trial in November.
However, it was confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the 21-year-old will no longer face any charges.
“Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this,” said Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Greater Manchester Police’s Head of Public Protection.
The investigation began just over a year ago in January 2022. A trial date had been set for 27 November this year.
In a statement, GMP said “criminal proceedings” had been “discontinued by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service)”.
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Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s head of public protection, said it was “only fair” that the force publicised the latest development given the “significant media coverage of this case”.
She added: “The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.”
Ms Kerr did however appeal to people who felt they were, or might have been, a victim, reiterating GMP’s “commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls”.
She continued: “An ever-increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
A CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
“In this case 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. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
“We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
When contacted by Sky Sports News, Manchester United did not comment. Greenwood remains suspended by United.
United announced on January 30 last year he would not return to training or play any matches “until further notice”.
