Roberto De Zerbi has been named Tottenham’s new manager (Image: PA)
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust believes the club’s decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach raises serious and wide-ranging concerns owing to remarks he made last year regarding Mason Greenwood. At his previous club Marseille, De Zerbi signed and managed Greenwood, who 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. The allegations were made by a woman after images and videos were circulated online.
The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023 owing to “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”. That meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”. The Trust responded to Spurs’ confirmation of the appointment by releasing its own statement shortly afterwards. It began: “We note the club’s announcement of the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi to the manager role.
“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. We raised these concerns directly with the club prior to its announcement.
“The club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents. De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters.”
De Zerbi referred to Greenwood as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” back in November. The then-Marseille manager said: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”
Spurs thoroughly deliberated over De Zerbi’s remarks and the wider sentiments surrounding Greenwood during negotiations with the Italian coach. Proud Lilywhites, Spurs Reach and Women of the Lane are among the supporter groups that raised concerns before the appointment was confirmed.
THST’s statement continues: “We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the Club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.
“Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.
“The club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear-chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetrators of physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this club.
“With this appointment, communications from the club and from Mr De Zerbi must clearly and unequivocally reaffirm these values. Furthermore, those words must be backed by meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women’s charities and organisations working to combat violence against women.
“Our preference would have been for a short-term appointment of an individual or individuals who understand the club and can lead the players in the seven battles to come. There would then have been an opportunity in the summer to attract a wide range of potential applicants with a track record of success in inspiring fans and players: candidates who could lead and develop sustained success for the team, for seasons to come.
“The club has chosen otherwise. We will continue to support efforts to get behind the team and play our part in preserving the club’s Premier League status, but it is understandable that many fans will do so with a heavy heart.
“Our Five Principles for Spurs ownership include Leading with Integrity and Championing Ethical Standards. At present, supporters rate performance in this area at just 2.2 out of 10. This decision risks further eroding confidence unless addressed with clarity, humility, and decisive action.
“We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings. THST have warned for years that the club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.
“It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.”