By Tim Parsons-
Manchester United and England footballer, Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH, following criminal complaints by his girlfriend.
The 20-year-old striker has also been suspended by his club.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Greater Manchester Police were made aware earlier today (Sunday 30 January) of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.
“An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. He remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Manchester United responded to the allegations by suspending Greenwood, saying the star will not play or train “until further notice.”Greenwood’s sponsor, Nike, also earlier today issued a statement in a response to the allegations.
As reported by The Athletic, Nike stated: “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Police were pictured outside Greenwood’s home on Sunday evening before GMP confirmed they had made an arrest.
Greenwood has netted 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, while he has been capped once by the England international side.
The arrest comes after the footballer’s girlfriend had earlier posted shocking images of injuries on Instagram along with an audio file of a graphic event where a male voice tells her: ‘I don’t give a f*** what you want. I don’t care if you don’t wanna have sex with me, you hear me? I asked you politely and you won’t do it.’
The graphic pictures showed her body covered in bruises and with blood on her face. The posts came with the caption, ‘To everyone who wants to know what Mason Greenwood actually does to me.’
The posts, which are clearly accusatory, have been deleted from her Instagram account, though they have since been shared and circulated across social media. The images send worrying alarm bells ringing, and are very suggestive of domestic violence .
Manchester United have released a statement following the allegations saying: ‘We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media. ‘We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.’
Greenwood graduated from Manchester United’s youth academy and made his debut for the senior team in 2019. He has since racked up 129 appearances and 35 goals for the club, as well as one appearance for the England team.
Greater Manchester Police has released a statement following the allegations saying it’s ‘aware of images and videos circulating on social media’ and that ‘enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances’..