De Zerbi apologises to fans for Greenwood comments

New Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has apologised to fans over comments he made about Mason Greenwood. The Italian's appointment has been opposed by some fan groups because of remarks he made about the former Manchester United player, who he signed and managed at Marseille. Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped.

De Zerbi told the Spurs website: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly. " The 46-year-old added that he had always "stood up for those" that needed protecting. "I've consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk," he said.

"Those of you who know me well, will know that I'm not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or win an extra title. "I'm sorry if I offended anyone's feelings with this subject matter. I have a daughter and I'm very sensitive to these things and I always have been.

"I hope that over time people will get to know me better and understand that at that moment, I didn't mean to take a stance. " Spurs turned to De Zerbi after interim head coach Igor Tudor was sacked on Sunday with the club 17th in the Premier League, just one point and one place above the relegation zone. Greenwood, who was 20 at the time, was widely regarded as one of England's most promising young players when he was arrested in January 2022.