Mason Greenwood has been arrested by police after his model girlfriend shared bloodied photos alleging he raped and physically assaulted her.
Police confirmed the 20-year-old striker remains in custody over the allegations which came to light in a series of graphic Instagram posts.
This is as Manchester United football club also suspended the player from training and playing with the team.
On Sunday morning, January 30, his girlfriend, Harriet Robson shared photos and video of her bloodied face, laps and body alleging Greenwood inflicted the injuries on her. Watch video here.
A picture showed her eyes filled with tears and what appeared to be a black mark on the ceiling behind her.
She also posted videos on Instagram of a huge cut on her lip as well as bruises across her legs and hip.
The couple have been together since Greenwood’s days in high school
The club issued a statement on Sunday afternoon, January 30, stating that Greenwood will not play or train with the team while the investigation into the series of Instagram posts continues.
The club statement comes after the girl’s father said she was ‘completely devastated’ over the photos because the Manchester United star ‘has been part of our family for two or three years.
He said: ‘The first thing we knew about this was at 6am this morning. It is dreadful. I’m just coming to terms with it all.
‘As a father you don’t want to know things like that happening to your daughter. The police have been round and she has made a statement to them.
He added: ‘She is completely devastated by it all.’
Two police officers were spotted at the girl’s family home in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on Sunday and took her statement.
Manchester United said it was aware of the allegations, police said they are looking into it while Greenwood’s sponsor Nike said the company was ‘deeply concerned’.
Manchester United on Sunday afternoon said: ‘Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice.’
Greenwood joined Manchester United at the age of six and progressed through the academy ranks. He made his first start in 2019 and became Man Utd’s youngest ever goal scorer in a European competition at the age of 17 years and 353 days against Astana. The forward has since clocked 129 appearances for the Red Devils, netting 22 goals.
Greenwood also represented England several times as an under-17 and under-21 before being named in the England senior squad in August 2020. He is the fifth most valuable player in Europe at £119million.
Meanwhile, Women’s Aid charity has warned Manchester United and the Football Association that the ‘world is watching’ as they deal with domestic violence and rape accusations made against Mason Greenwood.
The domestic violence charities told Sportsmail that the response to Greenwood’s arrest would be scrutinised across the globe.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of the Women’s Aid charity, said: ‘We at Women’s Aid share the shock and distress of everyone who has heard the recording and seen the visuals of Mason Greenwood’s alleged abuse.
‘It is vital that all employers, as well as authorities, recognise domestic abuse as the serious crime it is. Manchester United, the Football Association and police must take action accordingly.
‘This is likely to be a high-profile case, and we and the world are watching – men, women, boys and girls who look up to athletes as heroes need to know that there is never an excuse for abuse, no matter who you are.’
Women’s Aid revealed that they have experienced an uptick in donations and direct debits from the public as the Greenwood story gathered pace.
According to Mail Online, the level of evidence required to prove allegations can be high and last night another charity, Refuge, told Sportsmail that this becomes even more of a challenge when the accused is well-known or famous.
Ruth Davison, Refuge CEO said: ‘The audio and transcript released will have been triggering for many women.
‘The fact that a woman has felt that she had to record what appears to be sexual abuse shows the level of evidence women are expected to obtain in order to be believed. This is amplified when the accused is famous or has significant wealth and status
‘Abusive men use the threat of women not being believed to try and silence them. ‘No one will believe you’ is a threat used to control and intimidate.
‘Speaking up about abuse can be incredibly difficult for survivors. Especially when the accused has significant status. Speaking up takes courage and resilience.’
