Nike, an American multinational company, has suspended its contractual relationship with embattled Manchester United striker, Mason Greenwood, over allegations of rape and domestic violence against an 18-year-old student.
Greenwood, 20, was detained following the circulation of images and audio on social media, which alleged he attacked an 18-year-old lady.
“We have suspended our relationship with Mason Greenwood. We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation,” Nike said in a statement on Monday.
Read Also: Manchester Police Arrest Mason Greenwood Over Assault, Rape Allegations
The Premier League club said, “Greenwood will not return to Manchester United training or play matches until further notice,” after the allegations first emerged.
A spokesperson for Manchester United said that the club was aware of images and allegations circulating on social media regarding the footballer, adding it would not make any further comment until the facts have been properly established.
“Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind,” the statement said.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said, “A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault,” adding that the suspect “remained in custody for questioning” and that “enquiries were ongoing.”
The police force said it was made aware earlier in the day of “online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.”
On Monday, GMP said it had been granted “additional time” to speak to a man in his 20s amid the domestic violence accusations.
“Detectives have been granted additional time to speak to a man in his 20s who is being held on suspicion of rape and assault of a woman,” read a statement on Monday.
“The suspect was arrested on Sunday 30 January and remains in custody. Enquiries are ongoing and the victim is being offered specialist support.
“We remind people to avoid any commentary or sharing of images that could compromise the victim’s right to lifelong anonymity, or risk prejudicing a live investigation with active proceedings,” the statement added.
The statement did not confirm either the name of the victim or the potential offender.
This comes after several photos and audio recordings allegedly posted online by Greenwood’s girlfriend, social media influencer Harriet Robson.
In the posts, Robson accuses Greenwood of domestic violence, showing photos of what appears to be her lip bleeding and bruises to her body. Robson had taken down the posts on Sunday.
Greenwood has scored six goals this season and has a contract with Manchester United until 2025.