The NCAP Soccerball Thread

[AuroraSaab]

I don't think the alleged victim drawing a line under it should come in to it. The club felt it wasn't sufficiently serious to drop him but have now taken public sentiment into account. I suppose it depends whether you think they are right to do so. If he was working at Kwik Fit or in a factory maybe it would be different, but he isn't.

The Mail did quite a long article on Greenwood the other day. In short, not very bright, pushy parents, sense of entitlement. It should be a concern of sports clubs what early fame and money does to these young people, though it did say that young players get sessions on consent and a lot of support as they progress.

 

[icowden]

Did they not listen to the tape?

That's irrelevant. Unless you were there you cannot know the circumstances nor what went on, you can only speculate. That is not the basis for action.

 

[icowden]

I don't think the alleged victim drawing a line under it should come in to it. The club felt it wasn't sufficiently serious to drop him but have now taken public sentiment into account. I suppose it depends whether you think they are right to do so. If he was working at Kwik Fit or in a factory maybe it would be different, but he isn't.

They didn't drop him. This is their statement:-

Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.

Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.

All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.

Translation - we are not sacking him. He has just agreed to end his contract himself after some discussion about what that would look like, plus if he ends it he gets more benefit than if we wait to the end of the season and don't renew his contract.

 

[newfhouse]

How is it possible for one man’s actions to overshadow a whole nation’s sporting achievement.

Rubiales simply has zero credibility and must go. 11 coaches have resigned and FIFA have suspended him.

Looks like it's been the culture for years. I don't believe it's unique to Spain either.


View: https://twitter.com/Millar_Colin/status/1695911430564782226?t=mri9vyuMNK9taPP5s8KL_Q&s=19

 

[AuroraSaab]

If that turns out to be the case I think that isn't unreasonable, given his age and the fact that the couple apparently have a child together. I haven't seen many people saying he should never be allowed on a field again. It's clear his position at the club was untenable though, even if the club feel there was less to the incident than appears. The effect of keeping him at the club is to look like you're condoning his behaviour, even if that behaviour didn't lead to prosecution.

 

[Rusty Nails]

How can clubs or sponsors base commercial decision making on what "something looks like"? You have to go with a factual analysis. The club did that and found that they had no basis to chuck him out. The Police investigated but had no basis to prosecute.

Whether what you think happened happened or not, the only person who can corroborate what *actually* happened is the alleged victim and they have chosen to draw a line under it.

This is either disingenuous or extremely naive.

Football clubs, especially the PL clubs, rely as much on image and public relations, i.e. what "something looks like", as just the football to generate their income, which comes more from advertising, sponsorship and TV rights than gate money.

Anything that will have such a negative impact on their image as the actions/attitudes of Greenwood, even though prosecution could not take place because the main prosecution witness, and alleged victim, withdrew cooperation, will drive the club's decision.

The game is changing with the growth of women's professional football bringing in new fans and revenue streams, and this decision has probably had nothing to do with any moral about turn by MU, but with commercial considerations.

 

[theclaud]

That's irrelevant. Unless you were there you cannot know the circumstances nor what went on, you can only speculate. That is not the basis for action.

We've all heard him abuse and threaten to rape his girlfriend.

 

[The Crofted Crest]

@AndyRM, how's the job?

 

[AndyRM]

@AndyRM, how's the job?

Still on hold, there's been an issue with my DBS, which I'd anticipated but I'm surprised it's taken this long for them to sort the issue.

 

[AndyRM]

Rubiales is being investigated:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66640485

Considering all the other allegations surrounding the Spanish FA, it would appear there have been a lot of seriously sketchy practises for some time.

 

[AuroraSaab]

It's good that all this is coming out. I think many sports have avoided stuff like this for long enough. When boys and girls, and young men and women, have worked and dreamed for years of sports success it's very difficult to talk about how people are treated. Very often your opportunities and personal success are solely in the hands of one or two coaches or managers. It's nice to see people calling it out.

 

[icowden]

We've all heard him abuse and threaten to rape his girlfriend.

No we haven't. We have heard a recording of a conversation out of context (if we have even heard it at all) and spun by tabloid newspapers to sell copy.

 

[theclaud]

No we haven't. We have heard a recording of a conversation out of context (if we have even heard it at all) and spun by tabloid newspapers to sell copy.

What context makes it OK for you?

 

[Mr Celine]

Rubiales is being investigated:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66640485

Considering all the other allegations surrounding the Spanish FA, it would appear there have been a lot of seriously sketchy practises for some time.

I wonder if he tried kissing any of the locals.

 

[Beebo]

View attachment 4493
I wonder if he tried kissing any of the locals.

His mum has stated a hunger strike in support of her son.
I can see why he feels so entitled if he’s used to this sort of background and family life where he can do no wrong in his mother’s eyes.