After nearly three years, former Manchester City and Marseille left back Benjamin Mendy was acquitted of all allegations made by 6 different women in the UK. This was the second jury that had cleared him of all charges this year. The 28 year old even put up an emotional instagram post lamenting his destroyed reputation and career. He has received support from many famous athletes like Paul Pogba, Jack Grealish, and Memphis Depay.
Now this is where the article becomes controversial. I write here trying to remain as balanced as possible which might offend some. If you are a feminist or a men’s rights activist with a certain bias towards the other gender, I would suggest that you stop reading right here.
Since the pathbreaking MeToo movement in 2017 which took down many powerful hollywood executives, there have been various instances of women across various fields speaking up about their harrowing experiences with men. There has been a drastic change in how assault and rape allegations are dealt with and the urgency shown by agencies.
Football is no exception.
There have been plenty of high profile cases involving players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Frank Ribery, Karim Benzema, Wayne Rooney, Adam Johnson, David De Gea, Neymar and many more. However, I will stick to 2 high profile cases involving players of the two leading Premier League clubs from Manchester – Benjamin Mendy and Mason Greenwood.
Like Mendy, Mason Greenwood is another promising player (albeit still only 21 years old) whose career was stalled due to sexual assault allegations. In Greenwood’s case, it began in January 2022 when a woman named Harriet Robson released some disturbing photos and audio clips in an instagram post implicating the Manchester United forward for sexual assault and domestic violence.
Manchester United responded by suspending the player indefinitely until the trial was finished. Each and every one of his sponsors also dropped him from their roster. Charges were filed in February 2022 and the trial lasted for over a year. Finally on 2nd February 2023, all charges were dropped citing withdrawal of key witnesses and lack of sufficient evidence.
It further came to light that Greenwood and Harriet were dating again and expecting a child together. Mason has been training to make his comeback while Manchester United are conducting their own internal investigation to determine his fate.
Did Harriet fake the allegations? Or is she a victim of stockholm syndrome? Is it possible that 6 women colluded to make up false allegations against Mendy? Or did Mendy use his influence to have the cases thrown out?
The fact is we will never know the truth regarding these events. However three questions come to mind –
- Almost all cases involving footballers are being thrown out either through cash settlements or lack of evidence despite there being enough grounds to prosecute. Should there be stronger laws to provide genuine victims with justice?
- Should there be stricter laws against false accusations?
- Should acquitted players be given second chances by their clubs?
Without dwelling on the legality (I am not a lawyer), it is obvious that things cannot remain the way they are. There is a need for stronger laws to protect women and fast track such cases.
However, it is also important to note that every time a false allegation is made, it only makes it tougher for genuine victims to come forward with their stories. There needs to be strict laws to deal with such people to discourage any motivated charges.
Ahletes also need to do their part to make sports a safer environment. Providing support to acquitted athletes is fair, but shouldn’t they also be speaking up on convictions? Footballers take the knee for racism (rightly so) but still refuse to speak up against harassment faced by Female athletes. Footballers and coaches need to introspect as to how many of their fellow athletes seem to be indulging in such crimes and are expected to get away with it just because they can kick the ball better than most.
Ultimately, I think the best way to move forward is to have a fair and transparent process. This means that all cases should be investigated thoroughly, and that the accused should be given the opportunity to defend themselves. It also means that the victims should be treated with respect and compassion. Moreover, important to consider the individual cases on their merits.
Regardless of any change in laws, it is near impossible for Mendy to ever play in the Premier League as it could send the wrong signal to female footballers as he had engaged in sexual relations with underage girls (consensual) and broke covid restrictions for his sexual exploits. But his career and life has been destroyed. The law might have cleared him, but it cannot compensate him for the years he has lost and the revival of his career looks tough.
Greenwood could still play for his club provided he and his partner share the truth with the fans and the women’s team at the club feel comfortable with his return. Starting out with a clean slate is the only way ahead for him. A loan move elsewhere while he rebuilds his reputation before returning to Manchester United could just be his way out. He is extremely talented and still has his best years ahead of him.
Football and the world need to change if there is ever hope for women’s partcipation to reach the same heights as men’s football. Athletes need to be trained to deal with fame along with their education and football drills.
The sport has a huge following, and it can be a powerful force for good. By raising awareness of these issues and supporting victims, football can help to create a safer and more just society.
The way these players are idolised and people fawn over them & with so much Page 3 posts of WAGs , the players start to believe that they are God & above rules; it is horrible that witnesses don’t come & we can only tend to believe that they were bought over – the money players have is enormous .
Harsh deterrents like Immediate suspension from league only will make players think twice before committing mistakes ..
Absolutely. However, it is important that the legal system reform itself to fast track such cases. It is also not right to destroy a career before the facts are out.
Interesting highly balanced article in these highly volatile times surrounding such topics. Well articulated Achalesh
Very Much Related Topic !!!
To be taken in right spirit !!!
Well Done !!!
Keep it Up !!!
Thank you
A nice analysis. Well written . All the best 👍🌹
Thank you
Very well written article .
Thank you
Excellent article describing the politics of high stake players and!
Awesome Write up!
Thank you
Interesting Article ,nicely articulated .
Thank you
Thoughts well written & brought out . Completely agree with the writers view.
Thank you
The article is thought proving. This is a very sensitive issue both the public and law makers should act deligently.
Thank you
Real sense of equality shown in article
Thank you
Very good article which will kindle the minds of the authorities concerned. The idea abt having a fairness and transparency in the process is well thought of. Also it should be quick and time bound so that the innocent players do not lose their opportunities
It is also important to educate young footballers on basic cultural values and manners. The law cannot prevent crimes, only try to bring a measure of justice
An xcelent view of the subject expressed in a very non-biased way.
I believe that a lot depends on the maturity of society in acceptance of the victims, post the court judgement.
My answer to the 3 questions is a big “YES”, subject to non-repeat of crime.
Well done n keep sharing such unprejudiced articles arousing social consciousness. Best wishes 💐👍😊
Thank you. Also important to educate young footballers on how to behave in public life
An excellent article in right perspective.
Keep it up !! Best Wishes
Thank you
Well written in a lucid way bringing out the various aspects of complications arising out of, possibly human folly.
Whatever the reasons, football needs to introspect
Such a unique piece of content.
Thank you
Well articulated and thought provoking article.
Well articulated and thought provoking article.
Thank you
Athletes need to be trained to deal with fame along with their education and football exhibit the matured outlook in articulating this sensitive topic in a rythematic tone. Well done. Keep it up.
Score Board: 💯 out of 💯
Athletes need to be trained to deal with fame along with their education and football exhibit the matured outlook in articulating this sensitive topic in a rythematic tone. Well done. Keep it up.
Score Board: 💯 out of 💯
Very accurate. This training needs to be undertaken strictly by coaches and clubs.
Balanced article and well articulated !!
Keep it up !
Thank you
The article has brought out the problems that exist in football. However, the scenario could apply to all sports where aspiring young women become victims in trying to achieve their ambition.
Very balanced views regarding opportunities to be given to both high profile players and victims.
The article has brought out the problems that exist in football. However, the scenario could apply to all sports where aspiring young women become victims in trying to achieve their ambition.
Very balanced views regarding opportunities to be given to both high profile players and victims.
I agree with you and I intend to talk about it at a later date. For now I’ll stick to football
Very well articulated article,!
Thank you
A very logically written article. Strict laws are required to safeguard the women if they are actually harassed. Their safery must not be compromised. At the same time, strict laws should be stipulated to allow for an unbiased and fair investigation and trial so that no innocent man is wronged. These unbiased laws is the need of the hour to guarantee a safe, unbiased and egalitarian environment for the innocent men and innocent women..
I believe it will happen as more women take interest in the sport. It is a process
Well described and properly understood everyone’s needs and concerns. Excellent!!!
Thank you
One issue remains unresolved : the women who make these allegations( if not all, but atleast some) later settle the cases, without taking the cases to their logical conclusion. e.g.Hariet. Does it not convey that the allegation could be either false or only partially true? Still, these allegations totally destroyed the careers of a few brilliant players. Any actions possible against such women?
Yes, strict action should be taken in case of false allegations. However, it seems Hariet and Mason worked out their differences. We will never know the true story.
In light of the high-profile incidents involving Benjamin Mendy and Mason Greenwood, Achalesh has approached the sensitive subject of sexual assault charges within the realm of football with remarkable caution and a well-balanced perspective. Through the article, he has initiated a critical dialogue that meticulously explores the concepts of consent and the underlying power dynamics that affect the world of sports. With unwavering consideration and sensitivity, Achalesh brings attention to significant concerns regarding the current judicial process, baseless allegations, the protection of victims’ rights, and the prospects of career rehabilitation for athletes following acquittal. As a result, this thought-provoking piece stimulates an imperative and invaluable discussion.
Thank you
The article is well placed with full of justice to the unbiased thoughts. Indeed, it appeals stakeholders to be honest and set an example to the society. But truth remains, such things can still be managed by them !!!
Things will change, but the process is too slow
A good article given this vexed issue of sexual harrasments in sports often complicated by commercial considerations and exploitations.
Well arriculated Achalesh👌
Thank you
Very well articulated and presented in most balanced way, good read for sure
Thank you
Very Balanced Approach and Putting the scenario in right Earnest
Thank you
Very comprehensive atricle. Informative and non judgemental.
Enjoyed reading very much.
Thank you
The article has placed very logical thought and issues which are facts but managed by influentials. At the same time, there are few with different motive, to keep eye on should be the role of Manager, also nicely said that the training is required to manage the fame and awareness to build around in the society.
Excellent article…..
Thought provoking
Though Strict laws are required to safeguard the women if they are actually harassed. Their safety must not be compromised but should be unbiased so that innocent are not punished .
Very true
Thought provoking
Though Strict laws are required to safeguard the women if they are actually harassed. Their safety must not be compromised but should be unbiased so that innocent are not punished .
Thank you
Good one, highly balanced and informative too.
Thank you
Very good article and neatly evaluated without bias. Everyone deserves a second chance in life. As you mentioned the truth will never come out. Sports should be valued and not be destroyed with money and power.
Thank you
Very balanced article with the right approach to describe the things and prevailing issues.
Very nice artical
This article deserves to be put up to the concerned authorities for further actions. An unbiased view and thoughtfully curated article.
Very apt and to the point. I share the similar opinion and always have the same 3 questions .
Due diligence should be completed before concluding and if the acquisitions are incorrect, they should penalise the one coming with incorrect allegations to set an example so that these things are not repeated.
If the crime is not severe, definitely a second chance should be give to the acquitted players