Tottenham Fans Express Fury Over New Coach's Past Remarks on Mason Greenwood
Tottenham Hotspur has officially appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new men's head coach on a long-term contract, but the decision has ignited significant controversy among sections of the fanbase. The backlash stems primarily from De Zerbi's previous comments in support of Mason Greenwood, a player with a troubled legal history, during his tenure at Marseille.
De Zerbi's Support for Greenwood During Marseille Spell
Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille by mutual consent, signed a five-year deal with Tottenham, marking his return to management. Throughout his nearly two-year spell at Marseille, De Zerbi publicly backed Mason Greenwood, who joined the club in 2024. Greenwood had been arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault, with further arrests in February 2022 for sexual assault and threats to kill. He was charged in October 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all of which he denied.
The charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 due to withdrawn witnesses and new evidence, but the case drew widespread criticism. When Marseille faced backlash for signing Greenwood, De Zerbi, appointed just 19 days before the transfer, expressed support. He stated, 'Mason is a world-class player... I don't know what happened, but I am not used to get involved in my players' private life.' He added that he treats players like sons and would never attack them publicly.
Fan Groups Lead 'No to De Zerbi' Campaign
Several Tottenham supporter groups have vehemently opposed De Zerbi's appointment, citing his remarks as incompatible with the club's values. THFC Flags, a fan-led group organizing stadium banners, joined the 'No to De Zerbi' campaign, releasing a statement: 'Tottenham Hotspur claims to be a club that prides itself on being inclusive, supportive, and safe... De Zerbi is not the kind of person we want associated with our club.'
Proud Lilywhites, the official LGBTQ+ fans' group, emphasized that De Zerbi's defense of Greenwood sends a negative signal, while Women of the Lane raised concerns about his judgment and leadership. These groups argue that his comments undermine efforts to combat sexism and misogyny in football.
De Zerbi's Continued Defense of Greenwood
After Greenwood's arrival at Marseille, De Zerbi further defended him, calling him a 'good guy' and expressing sadness over his portrayal in the English press. In November of last year, De Zerbi said, 'He paid a heavy price for what happened... We have lent him a hand and given him affection.' This stance has fueled the ongoing controversy, as fans question the ethical implications of such support.
The appointment comes amid Tottenham's search for a replacement after Igor Tudor was dismissed just 44 days into his role. While the club aims to stabilize its leadership, the fan backlash highlights deeper issues of accountability and values in modern football.
