Gary Neville’s apology in full after liking tweet about Mason Greenwood as Manchester Utd striker has charges dropped

GARY Neville has said he was “clumsy” for liking a tweet about Mason Greenwood after the striker’s charges were dropped.

The football pundit, 47, insisted it is being misinterpreted, adding: “I obviously condemn any violence against women.”

PAGary Neville said he was ‘clumsy’ for liking a tweet about Greenwood[/caption]

Mason Greenwood had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped on ThursdayAFP

He caused a storm last night for liking a tweet by former CPS director of public prosecutions Nazir Afzal saying Greenwood was “an innocent man, that’s all we need to know”.

The tweet insisted “you are innocent till PROVEN guilty”, adding: “We don’t have trial by media. We don’t have evidence that any witnesses were lying.

“We don’t do ‘victim or complainant blaming’.”

But Neville had to back-track last night, writing: “I liked a tweet relating to the Mason Greenwood news this afternoon from Nazir Afzal. (the former director of public prosecutions).

“This like is being misinterpreted. It was a clumsy like as I obviously condemn any violence against women.”

He also removed his likes from any tweet to do with Greenwood.

It came after striker Mason Greenwood, 21, had all charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control dropped.

But angry Man Utd fans said the club should boot him out.

Greenwood said he was “relieved” yesterday after all criminal charges against him — including attempted rape — were dropped by prosecutors.

The Man United star was informed that the Crown Prosecution Service had also withdrawn charges of actual bodily harm and coercive or controlling behaviour.

The move came after 12 witnesses — including the woman at the centre of the allegations — refused to co-operate.

Striker Greenwood, 21, said: “I am relieved that this matter is over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.”

But United bosses announced the club is now conducting its own probe into his behaviour surrounding the claims — which surfaced online in January 2022.

Greenwood — who the club suspended following his arrest — will be unable to train or play for the Red Devils for the duration.

A spokesman said: “The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps.

“We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

Last night dozens of United fans urged the club to get rid of Greenwood — on a £100,000-a-week contract. 

Others said they should stick by him as he had not been convicted of any crime.

He had been arrested in January 2022 after harrowing images were posted on social media, along with video and audio footage, suggesting he had been physically abusive towards a woman.

He was charged last October and had been due to stand trial this November.

The charges came despite the alleged victim telling cops in April 2022 she no longer wanted him prosecuted and would not give evidence  in court.

Police continued the case as they regarded her as a “vulnerable victim”.

Last Friday The Sun told the CPS that we understood it was struggling to build a case.

It confirmed our information at 2pm yesterday, when the end of proceedings was announced.

A CPS spokesman said: “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.

“We have explained our decision to all parties.

“We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

Greenwood has made 129 United appearances, scoring 35 goals and has one England cap.

He last played on January 22 last year against West Ham.

Prior to his arrest, he was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of European football’s hottest young talents.