Roberto De Zerbi issues apology to Tottenham fans after criticism over Mason Greenwood comments

Ed Griffiths
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:03:02 +0000

Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology to Tottenham supporters following criticism over his previous remarks about Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille.

During his tenure at Marseille, where Greenwood moved in the summer of 2024, De Zerbi publicly defended the player.

The former Manchester United forward faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning bodily harm in 2022, all relating to the same woman.

These charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2023, with Greenwood consistently denying any wrongdoing.

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In November 2025, ahead of Greenwood's first match back on English soil, the Italian described him as "a good guy" who had "paid a heavy price".

De Zerbi also remarked: "It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England."

Speaking in his first interview since joining Spurs, the Italian said: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly.

"In my life, I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile."

He added: "I've consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk."

"Those of you who know me well will know that I'm not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.

"I'm sorry if I offended anyone's feelings with this subject matter – I have a daughter and I'm very sensitive to these things, and I always have been.

"I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn't mean to take a stance."

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The new head coach's appointment prompted swift condemnation from the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust, which issued a statement minutes after the announcement describing his Greenwood comments as "unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive."

The THST warned that such remarks would "create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team".

Several supporter organisations, including Women of the Lane, Proud Lilywhites, and Spurs Reach, had launched a campaign opposing De Zerbi's appointment when the club's interest first emerged last week.

The THST called for the club to demonstrate "meaningful action, including visible and sustained support for women's charities".

De Zerbi arrives with Spurs languishing in 17th position, just a single point above the relegation zone following a dismal campaign that saw interim boss Igor Tudor dismissed last Sunday after 44 days in charge.

Despite the precarious situation, the former Brighton manager has pledged his long-term commitment to the north London club.

He confirmed: "I signed five years of contract because for me it is a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what."

The Italian expressed confidence in his squad's ability to survive, stating: "I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players."