New Spurs Head Coach’s Support for Greenwood Sparks Criticism
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has expressed serious concerns regarding the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as the club’s head coach, particularly focusing on his previous public support for Mason Greenwood.
Following De Zerbi’s signing of a five-year contract on Tuesday, the Trust issued a statement highlighting that his arrival could place a "heavy strain" on club unity amid Tottenham’s ongoing battle against relegation from the Premier League. The Trust urged both the club and De Zerbi to reaffirm their commitment to core values cherished by fans, notably equality, respect, and integrity.
Background on Greenwood and De Zerbi’s Support
The controversy centers on De Zerbi’s tenure at Marseille, where he openly supported Greenwood’s signing despite the former Manchester United player’s legal issues. Greenwood faced charges in 2022 including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. However, in February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped these charges after key witnesses withdrew and "new material came to light." Greenwood has consistently denied all allegations.
After departing Manchester United, Greenwood spent time on loan at Spanish club Getafe before joining Marseille on a permanent deal in 2024 under De Zerbi’s management.
De Zerbi described Greenwood as a "good person" and expressed sadness over the situation, stating,
"It saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England."
Supporter Groups Condemn De Zerbi’s Remarks
These comments have been met with condemnation from various supporter groups, including Proud Lilywhites, Tottenham’s LGBTQI+ supporters’ association, and Women of the Laine. The Supporters’ Trust revealed it had contacted the club to express opposition to De Zerbi prior to his appointment.
In their statement, the Trust said,
"While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling."
"De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed."
"We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most. Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love."
The Trust further emphasized that any perceived sympathy towards alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women "fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this club."
"With this appointment, communications from the club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women."
Club Response Pending
Tottenham Hotspur have been contacted for comment regarding the concerns raised by the Supporters’ Trust and related supporter groups.
