Tottenham: Roberto de Zerbi 'not surprised' by fans' reaction to Mason Greenwood comments

Roberto de Zerbi managed Marseille between July 2024 and February 2026 Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says he was "not surprised" by the reaction from supporters over comments he made about Mason Greenwood. De Zerbi's appointment was opposed by some fan groups because of remarks he made about Greenwood, who he signed and managed at Marseille - prompting the Italian to apologise after being named Spurs boss. Former Manchester United forward Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped in February 2023. Asked about the fan backlash, De Zerbi said: "I wasn't surprised." Speaking on Friday as he prepares to take Spurs to Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST) in his first game in charge, he added: "I was a bit sad and sorry it happened because I'm sorry if somebody took offence. "I must repeat what I said. This topic is very close to me. I'm very sensitive about this topic because of the person I am and because I have a daughter. "And so I must repeat what I said the other time. I have always been against - always - any type of violence, especially against women. But not only viol