MANCHESTER United striker Mason Greenwood has been removed from a gaming company’s football games after being arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH.
The striker, 20, was quizzed by cops and spent three nights in a police cell after being re-arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
3
3
He was arrested at his home in Bowden, Greater Manchester, after a series of allegations were made on social media.
The images and allegations were reportedly visible on the woman’s Instagram on January 30, but have since been deleted.
Greenwood has since been bailed, and has now been removed by Konami in all their games until further notice.
Konami is the creator of the PES series of football games and its new eFootball game, which was delayed until spring 2022.
The company told Eurogamer: “In light of the serious allegations made against Mason Greenwood, the player will be removed from our football titles until further notice.
“Specifically for PES 2021 on mobile, users cannot newly obtain the player, but existing owners are unaffected.
“Konami condemns violence of any kind. While police inquiries are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Greenwood was also dropped from EA’s FIFA 22 after the allegations came to light about his arrest.
In an update to the game, which was released on PlayStation, Xbox and PC, Greenwood does not appear.
A spokesman for EA said: “Mason Greenwood has been removed from active squads in FIFA 22 and has also been suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) packs and Ultimate Draft.”
Greenwood has also been removed from the Manchester United squad list on the game, after the club removed any merchandise with his name on from their website.
Fans are also able to get a full refund on their shirts with Greenwood’s name on from this season, or exchange them for another player.
The club’s official partner Cadbury said Greenwood won’t appear on any of their marketing products.
Sponsor TeamViewer also announced that they are “closely monitoring developments”.
‘DISTURBING ALLEGATIONS’
Sportswear giant Nike, which provides the striker’s boots, have suspended their sponsorship with the star.
The brand said in a statement: “We have suspended our relationship with Mason Greenwood.
“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
Greenwood has worn Nike boots since breaking into United’s first team in 2019.
He has been suspended indefinitely by his club after being arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH following a series of allegations posted online.
Several of his teammates have also unfollowed the star on social media after the images came to light.
Crime scene investigators from Greater Manchester Police were seen parked outside the footballer’s house in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, on Sunday afternoon.
The Premier League club initially said it did “not condone violence of any kind” and later suspended the £75,000-a-week star as a police probe was launched.
3