Mason Greenwood arrested on suspicion of rape and assault after woman shares social media posts

Footballer Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault, after a woman made allegations of physical and sexual violence on social media.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man in his 20s had been arrested and remains in custody for questioning while officers conduct their enquiries after launching an investigation on Sunday.

Greenwood has been suspended from the Manchester United squad until further notice after allegations of abuse surfaced against the footballer.

Greater Manchester Police said it had been made aware on of “online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence”.

United issued a statement after police confirmed they were making enquiries.

A statement from United read: “Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice.”

Allegations were made in a series of posts - including video, photos, and an audio recording - which were visible on the woman’s Instagram account on Sunday morning before being deleted.

In a statement the club said it is “aware of images and allegations circulating on social media” but that it would not comment “until the facts have been established”.

It added: “Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”

There was no public response from Greenwood several hours after the allegations were first posted.

A spokesperson for Nike, which sponsors Greenwood, said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

The Manchester United Supporters Trust posted on Twitter: “The club has now confirmed that Mason Greenwood will not return to training or play matches until further notice. MUST fully support the decision of the club in this regard.”

The 20-year-old, from Wibsey in Bradford, progressed through the United academy into the first team. He represented England for the first time in 2020.