Roberto De Zerbi has responded to the backlash from Tottenham supporters over Mason Greenwood’s comments last November
Tottenham’s new manager Roberto De Zerbi has apologized for the offense caused by Mason Greenwood’s comments (Image: Tottenham Hotspur 2026)
Roberto de Zerbi has apologized for any offense caused by his past comments about Mason Greenwood. The newly appointed Tottenham head coach previously worked with Greenwood during his time as Marseille manager before leaving the club earlier this year.
His recent appointment to replace Igor Tudor in north London sparked an angry reaction from supporters, who have also defended Greenwood in the past. The former Manchester United forward was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, assault and controlling/coercive behavior.
The charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service the following year. Greenwood denied the charges but went on to rebuild his football career at Marseille, where he was a consistent starter under De Zerbi in charge of the Belgian national team.
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Last year, Mr De Zerbi claimed Mr Greenwood had paid a “heavy price” for the backlash he received following his indictment, while insisting he was a “good person”.
Greenwood’s move to Marseille in 2024 caused great controversy in France, but De Zerbi remained supportive of Greenwood throughout his time in charge of the club. After being announced as Tottenham’s new manager, he faced intense criticism from several fan groups over his previous comments about Greenwood.
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De Zerbi apologized in his first interview as Spurs manager, saying: “I did not want to minimize the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly.
“All my life, I have always stood up for the weaker, the more vulnerable. I have always taken the stand to fight and stand by those most at risk.
“Those who know me well know that I’m not one to compromise to win more matches or win additional titles. I’m sorry if I offended anyone on this subject.
“I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive about these things and always have been. I hope that as time goes on, people get to know me better and understand that I didn’t mean to take an attitude in that moment.”
Roberto De Zerbi defended Mason Greenwood last year
Mr De Zerbi previously said he was “saddened” by Mr Greenwood’s treatment in the UK following his 2022 indictment.
“He’s a good man. He paid a big price for what happened, a very big price,” the former Marseille manager said in November.
“He found the right environment for him. We gave him help and love. He’s a bit of an introvert, but I know him and his family. I’m sad about what happened to his life, because I know a completely different person than the one described in England.”
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