Mason Greenwood is set to appear in court tomorrow (Picture: PA)
Footballer Mason Greenwood is spending a night in the cells ahead of his appearance at Manchester Magistrates Court on rape charges.
The 21-year-old is currently suspended by Manchester United after being charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised him to be charged after he was arrested on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions last week.
Janet Potter, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
‘All three counts relate to the same complainant.
Security guards outside the house of Mason Greenwood in February after he was initially released on bail over the accusations (Picture: Getty)
Greenwood hasn’t played for Manchester United since January (Picture: Getty)
‘Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West’s complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police.’
Greenwood is due to appear in court on Monday.
The CPS added: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial’
‘It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.’
A statement from Manchester United said: ‘Manchester United notes that criminal charges have been brought against Mason Greenwood by the Crown Prosecution Service. He remains suspended by the club, pending the outcome of the judicial process.’
He faces allegations that he raped, sexually assaulted and threatened to kill a then 18-year-old.
The player was first held in January over allegations relating to a young woman.
The football star’s bail was extended at a private hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court in June.
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He was later quizzed on suspicion of making threats to kill as he spent three nights in cells at a Greater Manchester police station.
Greenwood was released on conditional bail on February 2, which has been extended twice since. However, police did not specify when it would run out after the closed court hearing in June.
The striker’s last appearance for Manchester United was on January 22.
The club were previously forced to release a statement saying it ‘did not condone violence of any kind.’
Within hours of the allegations surfacing online, the striker – who has made one appearance for England – was suspended from playing or training with the Old Trafford club until further notice.
But the club confirmed he still receives his £75,000-a-week salary.
Nike suspended its sponsorship deal with Greenwood, and later terminated it, while Electronic Arts confirmed his removal from active squads on its FIFA 22 game.
A GMP spokesman said: ‘Greater Manchester Police are aware of an allegation regarding a 21-year-old man breaching his bail conditions and an arrest has been made on Saturday 15 October 2022.
‘Enquiries are ongoing at this time.’
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The footballer who is currently suspended by Manchester United is due to appear in court on Monday.