Roma supporters launch anti-Greenwood petition: ‘We oppose the signing’

A petition aiming to stop Roma from signing controversial former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been launched by supporters online, who feel that the Englishman is ‘one of the most divisive figures in modern football’.

Roma have been strongly linked with a move to sign former Manchester United forward Greenwood in a €50m deal from Marseille, where he has spent the last two seasons.

Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United and was arrested by the Greater Manchester Police on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman, sexual assault and threats to kill in early 2022. He was released on bail pending further investigation two days later.

Greenwood was arrested again in October of 2022 for breaching the conditions of his bail agreement, allegedly contacting his accuser. He was then charged with attempted rape for an incideent that allegedly occuured in October of 2021, and for engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour from November 2018.

In February of 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the discovery of ‘new material’.

Greenwood has not played for Manchester United nor the England national team since his original arrest in early 2022 despite his contract running until the summer of 2025. He was sent out on loan to LaLiga side Getafe for the 2023-24 season and was then purchased by Marseille in a permanent deal in July 2024.

Now, with Marseille left needing to sell players to comply with financial fair play regulations, and with Roma in need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2026-27 season, there have been reports from multiple reports in Italy that the Giallorossi are keen to bring the controversial Englishman to the Stadio Olimpico in a deal that could be worth around €50m.

This is a move that has left the Giallorossi fanbase divided and some supporters have launched an online petition in an attempt to stop the club from signing the 24-year-old this summer.

The petition has gained close to 500 signatures in its first day.

It reads: “We oppose the signing of Mason Greenwood by AS Roma.

“This position is not based on personal hostility or a belief that people cannot rebuild their careers. It is based on the conviction that every football club has the right, and the responsibility, to choose who represents its badge.

“Greenwood has been involved in multiple serious off-field controversies, including disciplinary issues with the England national team and allegations of domestic and sexual violence that generated worldwide attention. Regardless of later legal developments, these events continue to shape his public image and make him one of the most divisive figures in modern football.

“AS Roma has consistently promoted campaigns against gender-based violence and in support of respect and equality, including initiatives such as “Amami e Basta.” Signing a player so closely associated with such controversies would create an unavoidable conflict between the club’s public commitments and its actions.

“The consequences extend beyond football. Sponsors, community partners, women’s football, youth development, employees and supporters, especially survivors of domestic violence, would all be affected by the message this decision sends.

“From a sporting perspective, no individual player is irreplaceable. European football offers many talented alternatives who do not carry the same reputational burden. Choosing Greenwood would expose the club to unnecessary commercial, public relations and institutional risks.

“This is not a question of redemption. It is a question of representation. Every signing reflects the values a club chooses to stand for.

“We respectfully urge AS Roma to abandon any pursuit of Mason Greenwood and to remain faithful to the principles that have earned the respect of supporters around the world.

“AS Roma deserves players who embody its values, not players who undermine them.”