AS Roma fans petition against Mason Greenwood
Image Credits: Imago Images
Mason Greenwood has spent two years rebuilding his career in France after leaving Manchester United.
Since leaving Old Trafford for Marseille, the forward has been one of Ligue 1’s most productive attackers, registering 37 goals and 12 assists in 66 league appearances across two seasons at the Stade Velodrome.
On the pitch, the talent that once marked him out as one of England’s brightest prospects has never been in question, and that form has not gone unnoticed.
AS Roma have emerged as Greenwood’s most determined suitors this summer, with Gian Piero Gasperini driving a pursuit that could reach around £43 million (€50 million).
Marseille are under pressure to sell and balance the books, and as such are holding out for closer to £47.5 million (€55 million).
Interest from Fenerbahce have fallen away after the attacker was used by one of their presidential candidates as part of his campaign, which failed to see him get elected.
For United, The Red Devils stand to benefit from a hefty sell-on clause, and the deal with Roma has edged towards completion, however it has also split the Giallorossi support down the middle.
Now a section of that support has decided to fight it as a selection of Roma supporters have launched an online petition urging the club to abandon the move, gathering close to 500 signatures within a day of going live.
AS Roma fans petition to block signing of Mason Greenwood
Goal have reported the petition, with the signatories describing Greenwood as “one of the most divisive figures in modern football”.
The fans argue that signing him would clash directly with Roma’s public stance on gender-based violence, including the club’s “Amami e Basta” campaign.
Their arguement reads: “We oppose the signing of Mason Greenwood by AS Roma. This position is not based on personal hostility or a belief that people cannot rebuild their careers.”
It continues: “It is based on the conviction that every football club has the right -and the responsibility- to choose who represents its badge.
“Greenwood has been involved in multiple serious off-field controversies, including disciplinary issues with the England national team and allegations of domestic and sexual violence that generated worldwide attention.
“Regardless of later legal developments, these events continue to shape his public image and make him one of the most divisive figures in modern football.”
The controversy behind the petition
The situation referred to by the petition tracks back to his time at Manchester United. Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 and later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new material emerged, and ultimately Greenwood was never convicted and has consistently denied the allegations.
Even so, The Red Devils concluded in August 2023 that he should continue his career elsewhere, a decision that led him first to Getafe on loan and then to Marseille.
However, this isn’t the first time Greenwood has faced resistance to joining a new club.
As the deal was closing for him to move to Marseille in July 2024, there was resistance from the mayor of Marseille, Benoit Payan, publicly intervened, saying that Greenwood’s conduct was “unspeakable, unacceptable” and personally urging president Pablo Longoria to call off the signing.
Marseille pressed ahead regardless and Roma’s hierarchy now face the same question Longoria did two years ago, and a fanbase that has made its answer very clear.
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