The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has criticised Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as Spurs head coach over his backing of Mason Greenwood when he was Marseille boss.
De Zerbi’s arrival on a five-year contract “raises serious and far-reaching concerns”, the group’s strongly worded statement says, adding Spurs were directly warned about the “strength of feeling” among fans.
The Trust acknowledges the “immediate priority” is avoiding relegation with Spurs currently one point above the drop zone with seven games to go but says De Zerbi’s hiring has the potential to divide the fanbase.
Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 after charges against him, which included attempted rape and assault, were dropped. Last November, De Zerbi described him as a “good guy” who paid a “heavy price”.
He added at the time: “It saddens me what happened in his life because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”
Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one of controlling and coercive behaviour and another of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online, although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023.
The charges against former Manchester United forward Greenwood were dropped because of “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”.
Sky Sports News understands the Spurs board carefully considered and discussed the sentiments around De Zerbi’s association with Greenwood during the hiring process and their new head coach is expected to address the issue.
The Trust says De Zerbi’s comments about Greenwood “were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters”.
“We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team,” the statement read.
“It is concerning that the club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.
“Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.”
The Trust, which advocated a short-term appointment until the end of the season before recruiting a permanent replacement for Igor Tudor during the summer, accused the club of risking eroding confidence in its integrity and ethical standards.
The statement continued: “We fully understand that the immediate priority is to avoid relegation. However, this situation is the result of prolonged strategic failings.
“THST have warned for years that the club was heading in this direction, and the lack of timely, sound decision-making has now left options severely compromised.
“It will take significant effort for many fans to restore their faith in the club’s leadership. That process must begin with transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to the principles that define Tottenham Hotspur.”
‘Spurs spoke to De Zerbi about fan concerns’
Sky Sports News’ chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol:
“The Tottenham board were aware of the strength of feeling with regards to his appointment and knew some fans would be unhappy about it. They have spoken to Roberto De Zerbi about it.
“It has been addressed behind closed doors and it will be addressed in public as well.
“When De Zerbi has his first press conference, he will address the media’s questions and the concerns of the reporters.”
