Prosecutors dropped charges of attempted rape and assault against Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood on Thursday, according to British police.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of new evidence were factors in their decision to dismiss the case against the 21-year-old.
Greater Manchester Police said it was “only fair” that they announce that Greenwood, who was arrested in January last year, would no longer face criminal proceedings “given the significant media coverage of this case”.
The striker was originally charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault causing actual bodily harm against the same complainant.
“In this case, a combination of key witness withdrawals and newly discovered evidence meant that conviction was no longer a realistic prospect,” the CPS said in a statement.
“We have a duty to stop the case in these circumstances.”
Greenwood, who has 129 appearances for United and 35 goals, last appeared against West Ham in January of last year.
“Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man who was arrested and charged in connection with an investigation launched in January 2022 no longer faces criminal proceedings,” said chief superintendent Michaela Kerr.
“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Despite the media and public interest in this case, we have decided not to comment further.
Greenwood, a United academy product who was once regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects, made his senior debut for the Red Devils in a Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in March 2019.
In February 2021, he signed a new contract with United that will keep him there until at least 2025.
The forward made his England debut in September 2020 against Iceland, but he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were both sent home for violating the team’s coronavirus guidelines.
Following his arrest, Nike suspended and later terminated his sponsorship deal with the player, and Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads in its FIFA 22 game.
