West News Wire: According to British prosecutors, Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has been charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault.
On Monday, the 21-year-old is scheduled to appear in court on three counts involving the same woman.
The footballer was initially detained in January in connection with claims involving a young woman after pictures and videos were uploaded online.
He had been out on bond ever since, but he was taken into custody on Saturday for allegedly breaking the terms.
The Greater Manchester Police were given permission by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to charge Greenwood.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” Janet Potter, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said.
“All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised
the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police,” Potter said.
Greenwood will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, police said.
Neither Greenwood nor his representatives have commented at any stage on the allegations against him.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial,” Potter said.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way
prejudice those proceedings,” Potter said.
Within hours of the allegations surfacing online at the beginning of the year, Greenwood – who has made one appearance for England – was suspended from playing or training with the Red Devils.
Nike suspended and later terminated its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its FIFA 22 game.
Greenwood, who made his United debut in 2019 after coming through the youth ranks, has played 129 times for the club, scoring 35 goals.
He signed a new deal in February 2021, keeping him at Old Trafford until at least 2025.
Greenwood made his England debut against Iceland in September 2020 but he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were sent home after a breach of the team’s coronavirus guidelines.
