If new Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi thought he was going to get an easy ride with Spurs fans, he will have learned very quickly that that is not the case.
Because within the last hour, the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust have released a statement heavily criticising their new manager’s stance on controversial footballer Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood, as fans will remember, is a former Manchester United and England player who was In October 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour. In February 2023, all charges against him were dropped.
The controversy became public knowledge following a video which emerged appearing to show him forcing himself upon a young woman who would later become his wife. He was later released by Manchester United following the case being discontinued and was subsequently signed by Marseille in France, where he rebuilt his career.
It was during this time that De Zerbi launched a staunch defence of his player, labelling him a “good guy”.
Spurs Supporters’ Trust statement sparks controversy
De Zerbi’s key comments on Greenwood (November 2025, while managing him at Marseille):
“He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price. He has found the right environment for him… It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England.”
He added that Greenwood behaved well, is introverted, and has a good family. De Zerbi also said he would defend his players publicly “like my sons”.
This appears to have gone down poorly with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, who have launched what appears to be a serious criticism of their football club hierarchy:
“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.
“De Zerbi’s comments about Mason 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.
“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.”
It brings about an incredible situation whereby West Ham’s relegation rivals’ new manager is already being put under pressure by his own fanbase on the very day he signed a five-year deal.