The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust has criticized Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Spurs’ head coach due to his support for Mason Greenwood during his time at Marseille.
De Zerbi’s arrival on a five-year deal “raises serious and widespread concerns,” the group’s strongly worded statement said, adding that Spurs had been directly warned about the “intensity of sentiment” among their fans.
The trust admitted that avoiding relegation is the “immediate priority” for Spurs, who are one point above the drop zone with seven games remaining, but said De Zerbi’s appointment could divide the fan base.
Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 after charges including attempted rape and assault were dropped. Last November, De Zerbi described him as a “good man” who had paid a “high price”.
He added at the time, “I’m sad about what happened to his life, because I know a completely different person than the person described.”
Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling/coercive behavior and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the woman whose images and videos were posted online, but the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the charges in February 2023.
Charges against former Manchester United forward Greenwood were dropped due to “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and newly revealed material”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”.
Sky Sports News understands that the Spurs board carefully considered and discussed the sentiment regarding the relationship between Dezerbi and Greenwood during the recruitment process, and the new head coach is expected to address the issue.
The trust said Mr de Zerbi’s comments about Greenwood were “unnecessary, ill-judged and deeply offensive to a significant number of his supporters”.
“At a time when we all need to come together and support our teams, we believe that these comments, if left unchecked, will cause a rift among supporters,” the statement read.
“We are concerned that the club would put us in this position at a time when the team needs its fans the most.
“Fans have rallied behind the ‘All Together All Ways’ initiative and this appointment will put a huge strain on that unity. If these comments reflect his genuine views, they will cast a worrying shadow on the values of the club we love.”
The Trust, which insisted on a short-term appointment until the end of the season before recruiting a permanent replacement for Igor Tudor in the summer, accused the club of risking undermining confidence in its integrity and ethical standards.
The statement added: “We fully understand that avoiding relegation is our immediate priority. However, this situation is the result of a long-term strategic failure.”
“THST has been warning for years that the club was heading in this direction, but there has been a lack of timely and sound decision-making and options have been severely compromised.
“It will take a huge effort for many fans to regain trust in the club’s leadership. That process must start with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.”
“Spurs have spoken to De Zerbi about fan concerns.”
Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:
“The Tottenham board were aware of the strength of sentiment surrounding his appointment and knew that some fans would be unhappy about this. They have spoken to Roberto De Zerbi about it.
“This has been brought up behind closed doors, but it will be brought up in public.
“When De Zerbi holds his first press conference, he will answer media questions and reporters’ concerns.”
