Man Utd stars did not complete ‘sexual consent training’ despite Greenwood case

Manchester United failed to deliver sexual consent training to its players last season – despite the Premier League making it mandatory.

Bosses at the Premier League made their 'safeguarding and healthy relationships training' a requirement for all clubs ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

But United were one of a number of teams in the top flight who did not complete the training – despite the ongoing narrative surrounding Mason Greenwood and the club.

Greenwood was charged with rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasionining actual bodily harm in January 2022 and was suspended by the club. Greenwood denied the charges, which were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their cooperation from the investigation.

READ MORE: Rachel Riley makes Prince Andrew comment after Greenwood is ditched by Man Utd

Earlier this month, United announced that Greenwood would not return following his suspension after they conducted their own internal investigation.

As first reported by Tortoise, United were one of the teams whose players did not complete the sexual consent course.

United were originally planning to bring Greenwood back into their first-team plans, but leaks of their intentions caused widespread backlash, which forced the club into a U-turn.

On the training, a Manchester United spokesperson told the Daily Star: “We take seriously our responsibilities to provide all mandatory training and education to our players, whether in our academy or first teams.

"Sexual consent training has been provided to our academy players for many years, and it was already in our plans to be introduced to first team players this year, in line with new Premier League requirements.”

United believe that there were no clear guidelines from the Premier League on the mandatory nature of the training last season.

It is also believed that around half of the 20 Premier League clubs did not complete the training during 2022/23.

Premier League clubs are independently audited against the Premier League's safeguarding standards but United believe there will not be taking action against clubs which did not complete it.

The mandatory nature of the 'safeguarding and healthy relationships training' has been reiterated to all clubs, who have now been given a deadline to complete their sessions. Failure to do so is now a breach of Premier League rules.

The training sessions are delivered face-to-face to players, coaches and club officials by highly-qualified professionals who are experienced in dealing with safeguarding concerns and sexual misconduct.

The Premier League does not comment on cases involving individual clubs.

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