Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Tottenham manager “raises serious and far-reaching concerns” following his public support of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) has said.
De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract at Spurs with the club facing a relegation battle, sitting just one point above the relegation zone with seven games remaining. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton in the Premier League, replaces the interim manager Igor Tudor, following the Croatian’s disastrous 44-day spell in charge.
But several Tottenham supporters’ groups, including Proud Lilywhites, urged the club to not appoint De Zerbi due to the Italian having backed Greenwood during his time in charge in charge of Marseille. The TST said those concerns were brought to the club directly while Spurs considered De Zerbi’s appointment.
Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a young women after images and videos were posted online.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to a “combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses” and due to “no realistic prospect of conviction”.
In November, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good guy” that had paid a “heavy price” and added: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”
In a statement, the TST said De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood were “unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed”.
The group said the appointment of De Zerbi could “create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team” and it was “concerning that the club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most”.
On De Zerbi’s comments, the TST said: “If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.”
De Zerbi managed Greenwood during his spell at French club Marseille (AFP via Getty Images)
The TST also called on Tottenham to “reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear – chief among them equality, respect, and integrity” and said any future messages from De Zerbi “must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values”.
Tottenham considered and discussed De Zerbi’s backing of Greenwood and his comments about him during negotiations with the Italian, but sporting director Johan Lange confirmed the club had landed their “number one target for the summer” and Spurs were “pleased to be able to bring him in now”.
In a statement accompanying Tottenham’s announcement, De Zerbi insisted he is committed to the club’s “ambition for the future”. The Italian lasted less than two seasons in his previous two spells at Brighton and Marseille, and he has been immediately thrown into a relegation battle.
The THST said: “While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, and the need to act with urgency as Spurs face the prospect of relegation, this appointment raises serious and far-reaching concerns, and many fans have been in touch with us to urge us to communicate the strength of feeling.”
In a statement following De Zerbi’s appointment, Proud Lilywhites said: “Whilst we disagree with the managerial choice, in terms of culture and competence, we will continue to support the players without pretending to be comfortable with the appointment.
“Staying silent is not the answer. But choosing when and where to be vocal matters. Managers come and go. Executives come and go. Players come and go. Fans remain. We are the constant in this club. We will continue to represent the views of our members to the club, alongside the other supporter associations. This is not noise or reaction. It is a considered position, and it is not going away.”
Tottenham Hotspur have been contacted for comment