Roberto De Zerbi’s Spurs appointment criticized by Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust over Mason Greenwood comments | Soccer News

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has criticized Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Spurs head coach over his support of Mason Greenwood when he was Marseille boss.

De Zerbi’s arrival on a five-year contract “raises serious and far-reaching concerns,” the group’s strongly worded statement read, adding Spurs had been warned directly about the “strength of feeling” among fans.

The Trust admits the “immediate priority” is to avoid relegation, with Spurs currently one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining, but say De Zerbi’s appointment has the potential to divide the fans.

Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 following charges against him, which included attempted rape and assault, was dropped Last November, De Zerbi described him as a “good guy” who paid a “heavy price”.

He added at the time: “It saddens me what happened in his life because I know a totally different person than the one described.”

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behavior and another count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online, although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023.

The charges against former Manchester United forward Greenwood were dropped due to “a combination of withdrawal of key witnesses and new material coming to light”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”.

Sky Sports News understand that the Spurs board have carefully considered and discussed the sentiments surrounding De Zerbi’s association with Greenwood during the appointment process and their new head coach is expected to address the issue.

The Trust says De Zerbi’s comments about Greenwood “were unnecessary, ill-judged and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters.”

“We believe that these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide between fans at a time when we all need to come together to support the team,” the statement read.

“It is worrying that the club would put us in this position when the team needs supporters the most.

“Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment puts a huge strain on that unity. If those comments reflect his genuine views, they cast a worrying shadow over the values ​​of the club we love.”

The Trust, which advocated a short-term appointment until the end of the season before recruiting a permanent replacement for Igor Tudor during the summer, accused the club of risking eroding confidence in its integrity and ethical standards.

The statement continued: “We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failures.

“THST has warned for years that the club is heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now seriously compromised options.

“It will take considerable effort for many fans to restore their faith in the club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.”

‘Spurs spoke to De Zerbi about fans’ concerns’

Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:

“The Tottenham board were aware of the strong feeling regarding his appointment and knew some fans would be unhappy about it. They spoke to Roberto De Zerbi about it.

“It was addressed behind closed doors and it will also be addressed in public.

“When De Zerbi has his first press conference, he will address the media’s questions and the concerns of the reporters.”