Marseille’s unveiling of Mason Greenwood was certainly an uncomfortable one.

The former Manchester United striker was unveiled in front of the press after completing a €30million move to Ligue 1 after a season on loan at Getafe.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape, assault and making threats to kill after images and videos surfaced online. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in February 2023 due to ‘a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material’.

The subject was almost forgotten by the Spanish media and fan groups during his stint in Madrid, but that’s very much not been the case in France, with multiple associations condemning the signing.

Even the mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan commented, saying: “I don’t want my club to be covered in the shame of someone who hits his wife.”

So when the subject was breached multiple times during his unveiling, RMC Sport report that OM staff opted to cut off the reporter looking for an answer.

The journalist persisted anyway, but Greenwood refused to answer, with the press conference moving on to the next question.

A day earlier, the 22-year-old was asked by La Provence about his past and said: “Obviously, I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I don’t wish to enter into any controversy. I already had the opportunity to express myself on this subject last year, it’s now behind us.”

Sporting director Pablo Longoria also discussed the subject, saying: “I understand that his arrival raises questions and concerns. I respect everyone’s opinions but I do not want to get into controversy.

“It is the past, a complex and old situation. Mason has spoken about it. I have spoken with all parties around the issue, I have a personal involvement in this issue. The club has a very professional and meticulous approach.

“I am Spanish and I know that he has been exemplary at Getafe and in the city of Madrid. It is time to talk about the future, we are talking about the future.

“As president, I will accompany Mason to help him achieve the club’s objectives. I will help him as a player and as a man. He has all the values ​​that we want to develop in the club like all his teammates who are here and those who will arrive.”