The English forward proved last season at Getafe that he remains a talented footballer but his arrival has splintered OM's fanbase
Wherever Mason Greenwood wound up this summer after an acrimonious and protracted exit from Manchester United, it was always going to spark controversy. But it just so happens that he has signed for a club with some of the most fiercely passionate supporters on the entire planet: Olympique de Marseille.
To put this already-exceptional transfer into context, Marseille is not like the rest of France; the country's oldest city, it is proudly multicultural, staunchly liberal and unwaveringly progressive, reflected in it being an island of left-wing politics in a sea of far-right voting departments in the south of the country in the recent election, with the left's unexpected, Kylian Mbappe-endorsed victory over the right sparking wild celebrations in the streets.
But while it is home to people of all walks of life, the main religion is its football club. The badge is literally inescapable – graffitied on every wall, worn proudly on replica shirts and tattooed on chests and limbs, and the imposing Stade Velodrome forms part of the skyline. Both in France and overseas, OM are widely perceived as the best-supported side in Ligue 1 – despite Paris Saint-German's riches – and the fanbase has a deep and devout connection to the team and its values, which encompass those of the city as a whole.
Every religion has its different factions, however, and both the club and the city have a penchant for chaos. Hardly surprising, then, that the Greenwood transfer has created such controversy. Having been starved of tangible success for more than a decade, a £27 million ($35m) deal for a player of his calibre – someone that would normally be out of reach for a side of Marseille's relatively modest finances – is deemed a sporting opportunity that is too good to pass up.
The Man Utd forward saw charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him discontinued in February last year, but the accusations certainly haven't been forgotten. Progressive women's rights are advocated for strongly in Marseille, although diversity brings with it different attitudes across different communities, and there is significant disharmony surrounding the topic of Greenwood's arrival.
GOALThe Greenwood case
Greenwood has been a footballing pariah since audio and imagery emerged online which led to him being arrested and subsequently suspended by Man Utd in January 2022. Although he denied the accusations made and was released on bail, he has not played for the club since.
He was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022, then aged 20. However, those charges were discontinued in February 2023. A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution service said at the time: "A combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."
Man Utd then conducted an internal review into whether Greenwood should be welcomed back into the fold at Old Trafford, including consulting the women's team. The drawn-out investigation ended up taking more than six months, with United ultimately U-turning and deciding to sever ties with the forward after delaying an announcement, having initially opted to keep him according to
In a statement at the time, Greenwood said: "I did not do the things I was accused of." He added: "I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post."
A club spokesperson said: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome."
That outcome proved to be a loan move to Getafe in La Liga, where he impressed in making 16 goal contributions in 32 appearances in Spain and earned the attention of plenty of leading European clubs, with Man Utd prepared to permanently end their association with the player this summer.
Advertisement'Zero impunity for attackers'
Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Lazio were all linked at one point or another, but it is Marseille who have won the race for his signature. Greenwood was greeted at the airport by a group of OM fans on Thursday but has not be welcomed with open arms by everyone that follows the club.
Indeed, even rumours of a possible move to the south of France in June prompted the widespread use of the hashtag #GreenwoodNotWelcome on social media as part of a campaign against the transfer.
The OMForum fan group was one of the driving forces, saying in a lengthy statement: “At a time when negotiations for the arrival of Mason Greenwood are announced as becoming advanced, it seems necessary to explain, once again and before the damage becomes irreversible, why this transfer seems inconceivable in view of the values displayed by the club and why it would mean for many of us a red line that would irreparably damage the passion that we have for this club."
A collective of Marseillaise feminist groups called 'J’crains degun' were among those to add their voice to the backlash, including Solidarite Femmes 13, who work closely with the club in the community. They posted on Instagram: "A choice incompatible with the stated commitment of Olympique de Marseille in the fight against violence against women. Zero impunity for attackers, red carpets on the Velodrome pitch!"
Getty'Sickened, disgusted and dismayed'
Speaking to GOAL before Greenwood's transfer was confirmed, Marseille supporter Nash, 30, who is a contributor at , said: "I am sickened, disgusted and dismayed that OM is even considering recruiting Greenwood. No fan of European football can ignore what he has been accused of. There are enough publicly known elements in this case to have a clear idea of what he is capable of doing, and above all, their public nature means that no one can ignore them.
"There is a strong risk, in my opinion, of undoing the links that OM took years to create by building relationships of trust with charitable bodies, particularly local ones. For example, I know that several organisations defending women's rights in Marseille are outraged by the rumours of Greenwood's arrival."
Nash was convinced Greenwood's arrival would damage the very fabric of the club. "Sport serves to spread values, it is one of its main social roles," he continued. "More particularly in Marseille, we are very committed to the fight against discrimination and the supporter groups have a long anti-fascist tradition. However, the fight against discrimination has no meaning if we do not fight against it all.
"Gender-based violence is a major societal scourge that must be fought forcefully. OM has a role to play in this matter: whether we like it or not, sport is eminently political and whether professional players like it or not, especially in a club as important and publicised as OM, are an example for many people who identify with them, particularly young people."
GettyPockets of support
However, as was the case at Man Utd when Greenwood's future was still undecided, there are pockets of support for him online, with the counter hashtag '#GreenwoodWelcome' being widely shared. One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "His private life is like that now. He became a man. You weren't in on the secrets. He was acquitted of all charges. Leave them alone."
Another posted: "Love always triumphs, a bit like us with our OM. Justice of God #WelcomeGreenwood #TeamOM"
"Why not take 20-30k from his salary and donate it to an association for victims of domestic abuse?" Another commented. "Who tells you that he will do it again and that he hasn't learned from his mistakes? Let's give this guy a chance."
"He has rebuilt his life and is trying to move forward but some would like him to be punished for all the victims who have not had this chance," someone else wrote. "They are bringing out his past to judge him again and inflate their moralising ego."