Now that now we have concluded and introduced the end result of the membership’s investigation into Mason Greenwood, I wish to be direct and clear with our followers concerning the course of and the explanations for our determination.
This was an inner disciplinary investigation between employer and worker which might ordinarily happen exterior of the general public eye. Given the general public nature of the allegations and Mason’s profile, I acknowledge that this was not an strange scenario, however I felt it necessary that we nonetheless observe due course of and, as far as doable, keep away from media remark till I had made a definitive determination.
When audio footage and imagery was posted on-line in January 2022, my emotions have been of shock and concern for the alleged sufferer. Her welfare, needs and perspective have been central to the membership’s method ever since, as have the membership’s requirements and values. Whereas we instantly concluded that Mason must be suspended pending investigation, we have been additionally aware of our responsibility of care in the direction of him and the significance of creating a choice primarily based on full info. Till February this 12 months, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It was solely when costs have been dropped that the membership mentioned the allegations with Mason and others concerned within the case.
Our investigation sought to collate as a lot proof as doable to determine details and context. This was not a fast or simple course of for a wide range of causes. It was important for us to respect the rights and needs of the alleged sufferer. Additionally, now we have restricted powers of investigation which meant we have been reliant on third get together cooperation. Timings have additionally been influenced by my need to minimise the influence of the investigation on our males’s and ladies’s groups, in addition to our Lionesses. I acknowledge that this gave extra time for hypothesis, however the various would have been to compromise due course of or create premature disruption.
Whereas we have been unable to entry sure proof for causes we respect, the proof we did collate led us to conclude that Mason didn’t commit the acts he was charged with. I’m restricted as to what I can say for authorized causes, together with the alleged sufferer’s ongoing proper to anonymity, however I’m able to share the next with you which ones ought to provide you with some perception into the complexity of this case:
– The alleged sufferer requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022.
– We have been supplied with various explanations for the audio recording, which was a brief excerpt from a for much longer recording, and for the pictures posted on-line.
– The alleged sufferer’s household participated within the course of and got the chance to evaluation and proper our factual findings.
