Roma supporters launch anti-Greenwood petition: ‘We oppose the signing’
A petition aiming to stop Roma from signing controversial former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been launched by supporters online, who feel that the Englishman is ‘one of the most divisive figures in modern football’.
Roma supporters launch petition urging club not to sign Mason Greenwood
Roma have been strongly linked with a move to sign former Manchester United forward Greenwood in a €50m deal from Marseille, where he has spent the last two seasons.
AdvertisementAdvertisementGreenwood was suspended by Manchester United and was arrested by the Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman, sexual assault and threats to kill in early 2022. He was released on bail pending further investigation two days later.
Greenwood was arrested again in October of 2022 for breaching the conditions of his bail agreement, allegedly contacting his accuser. He was then charged with attempted rape for an incideent that allegedly occuured in October of 2021, and for engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour from November 2018.
In February of 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of ‘new material’.
Greenwood has not played for Manchester United nor the England national team since his original arrest in early 2022 despite his contract running until the summer of 2025. He was sent out on loan to LaLiga side Getafe for the 2023-24 season and was then purchased by Marseille in a permanent deal in July 2024.
GETAFE, SPAIN – MARCH 02: Mason Greenwood of Getafe CF looks on during the warmup in the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and UD Las Palmas at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on March 02, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementNow, with Marseille left needing to sell players to comply with financial fair play regulations, and with Roma in need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 season, there have been reports from multiple reports in Italy that the Giallorossi are keen to bring the controversial Englishman to the Stadio Olimpico in a deal that could be worth around €50m.
This is a move that has left the Giallorossi fanbase divided and some supporters have launched an online petition in an attempt to stop the club from signing the 24-year-old this summer.
The petition has gained close to 500 signatures in its first day.
It reads: “We oppose the signing of Mason Greenwood by AS Roma.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“This position is not based on personal hostility or a belief that people cannot rebuild their careers. It is based on the conviction that every football club has the right—and the responsibility—to choose who represents its badge.
“Greenwood has been involved in multiple serious off-field controversies, including disciplinary issues with the England national team and allegations of domestic and sexual violence that generated worldwide attention. Regardless of later legal developments, these events continue to shape his public image and make him one of the most divisive figures in modern football.
“AS Roma has consistently promoted campaigns against gender-based violence and in support of respect and equality, including initiatives such as “Amami e Basta.” Signing a player so closely associated with such controversies would create an unavoidable conflict between the club’s public commitments and its actions.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Fans of AS Roma show their support prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisement“The consequences extend beyond football. Sponsors, community partners, women’s football, youth development, employees and supporters—especially survivors of domestic violence—would all be affected by the message this decision sends.
“From a sporting perspective, no individual player is irreplaceable. European football offers many talented alternatives who do not carry the same reputational burden. Choosing Greenwood would expose the club to unnecessary commercial, public relations and institutional risks.
“This is not a question of redemption. It is a question of representation. Every signing reflects the values a club chooses to stand for.
“We respectfully urge AS Roma to abandon any pursuit of Mason Greenwood and to remain faithful to the principles that have earned the respect of supporters around the world.
“AS Roma deserves players who embody its values, not players who undermine them.”
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
