Mason Greenwood | Officially a Marseille player

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You might want to think it does, but unfortunately that does not change the fact that it just isn’t a legal term.

Exactly, it's not a term accepted by courts on a legal standpoint. It is something they're looking into updating the legal process for down the line though.
 
He is guilty of "making mistakes" but that's such a vague statement that it's impossible to comprehend what said mistakes are. Again we can go through different scenarios and come up with some theories but that's all they'll be.

I'm not saying anyone should believe he's innocent. How can people believe he's guilty when there's so much unknown too? We don't know. Unfortunately.

I've not seen many people try to claim he's innocent but I've not read the full thread. I just don't think everyone supporting a return is an apologist for his alleged crimes. I can maybe see why some may use that language but I think it's also used unfairly to quash discussion too.
Well that's my overarching point, he can't just say shit like that an not expect people to fill in the blanks. That's not taking any responsibility for anything that happened, and as you point out, it could mean anything.

But if we can't believe he's innocent based of what we know, why should we be OK with him coming back?

I think the problem people constantly trot out the "innocent until proven guilty" line as to why he should be allowed back and when challenged on that we get the immediate contradiction of "no one's saying he's innocent". Doesn't make any sense to me. Just willful ignorance.
 
You might want to think it does, but unfortunately that does not change the fact that it just isn’t a legal term.

Im really not interested in a semantic argument about what exactly a 'legal term' is and it makes absolutely no difference to the point I made so if you have any comment on that point then let me know

I understand people dont like the 'trial by social media' tag but this really is an absolutely textbook case of it. The release of evidence via social media (and in particular the audio) is also what makes this such a unique case.

It is clear by now that the public release of evidence means many people expect a public explanation. I said myself that this will need to happen if the club and Greenwood want him to return.
 
And here is the relevant article by Barrister Bethan Rogers about the dangers of 'trial by social media', it was written specifically in response to the Greenwood case

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/commen...gers-of-trial-by-social-media/5111441.article

Anyone who has an issue with a legal professional using this term should contact her directly:
https://redlionchambers.co.uk/bethan-rogers-examines-the-dangers-of-trial-by-social-media/
I was once called a knobhead by a lawyer friend of mine, does that make knobhead a legal term?
 
The shambles that is this thread is the perfect illustration of why we need to sell the fecker. The back and forth would never stop, and a good chunk of our fan base would always despise the guy.
But but I was told that people will put their hate aside in order to support the team. So it’s ok, they will all be quiet when at matches
:/sarcasm off:
 
I was once called a knobhead by a lawyer friend of mine, does that make knobhead a legal term?

I'm happy to stop calling it a legal term - like I said it makes no difference to the point

More importantly what do you think about the article ?
 
I'm happy to stop calling it a legal term - like I said it makes no difference to the point

More importantly what do you think about the article ?
So if it's not a legal term, then what is it? Isn't the social media just a conduit of 1, the evidence, that hasn't been refuted and 2, for the discussion of the alleged crime?

If someone played me the audio in the pub and then we discussed it, is that trail by social media?
 
I'm happy to stop calling it a legal term - like I said it makes no difference to the point

More importantly what do you think about the article ?
Honestly? It was nicely written but I'm really struggling to see what in it is particularly novel or groundbreaking. Also, the point of the article seems to be that social media makes a fair trial difficult. As Greenwood won't be going to trial I'm struggling to understand what point you think it makes as relates to this case, beyond the self-evident 'social media can convince people that something is true when it's not'?
 
Just Google the term 'trial by social media' and have a look at the long list of legal articles written by law firms and lawyers on the matter.

If you read them you will find that many lawyers are asking the government to update laws about this because the law is out of date and not keeping up with technological and societal developments - there will undoubtedly be new laws about this in the future.

It is definitely a term in legal circles, although it is fairly new because social media is itself still fairly new. Its simply an information age manifestation of a concept that has been around for thousands of years, which could more aptly be called "trial by mob rule", which is something I'm sure we could all agree is not a good way to adjudicate any issue.
 
It is definitely a term in legal circles, although it is fairly new because social media is itself still fairly new. Its simply an information age manifestation of a concept that has been around for thousands of years, which could more aptly be called "trial by mob rule", which is something I'm sure we could all agree is not a good way to adjudicate any issue.

It's a term used in legal circles, but it's really a legal terrm? Surely it's just used in context of influencing an actual trial, which there won't be, so it's just a discussion? One that is split 50/50 ish so who picks which side is the mob?
 
It's a term used in legal circles, but it's really a legal terrm? Surely it's just used in context of influencing an actual trial, which there won't be, so it's just a discussion? One that is split 50/50 ish so who picks which side is the mob?

Not in the formal sense but it definitely is colloquially in that there are quite a few legal discussions taking place, usually centering around whether it is fair for someone to get a proper legal trial in the age of social media, where some or all evidence is uploaded to social media before the actual legal process takes place.
 
Who cares about the term "trial by social media"? Regardless of the channel of delivery, the audio and photos are appalling, and so far inexplicable (other than the obvious and most likely explanation). Seems to me to be a deflection tactic to muddy the waters of discussion and discredit the POV that is against his return.
 
Not in the formal sense but it definitely is colloquially in that there are quite a few legal discussions taking place, usually centering around whether it is fair for someone to get a proper legal trial in the age of social media, where some or all evidence is uploaded to social media before the actual legal process takes place.

Yeah exactly, it's used in relation to the actual justice system and influencing an actual trial. It's not some some sort of Kangaroo court.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/...at you say or,trial and seeing justice served.
 
Who cares about the term "trial by social media"? Regardless of the channel of delivery, the audio and photos are appalling, and so far inexplicable (other than the obvious and most likely explanation). Seems to me to be a deflection tactic to muddy the waters of discussion and discredit the POV that is against his return.

That's exactly what it is.
 
It is definitely a term in legal circles, although it is fairly new because social media is itself still fairly new. Its simply an information age manifestation of a concept that has been around for thousands of years, which could more aptly be called "trial by mob rule", which is something I'm sure we could all agree is not a good way to adjudicate any issue.

Aka the court of public opinion.
 
It is definitely a term in legal circles, although it is fairly new because social media is itself still fairly new. Its simply an information age manifestation of a concept that has been around for thousands of years, which could more aptly be called "trial by mob rule", which is something I'm sure we could all agree is not a good way to adjudicate any issue.
I'm still struggling to see what this has to do with the legal side of things, given that the case isn't going to trial so won't impact anything on that front.

Sure, some people are likely to have made up their minds about his guilt or otherwise but I don't think we can exactly claim that the Internet is adjudicating the issue.
 
I'm still struggling to see what this has to do with the legal side of things, given that the case isn't going to trial so won't impact anything on that front.

Sure, some people are likely to have made up their minds about his guilt or otherwise but I don't think we can exactly claim that the Internet is adjudicating the issue.

I don't think it has anything to do with Greenwood's situation at this point. I'd say 98% of fans are decided one way or another on whether they want him back or not. Both the legal case and initial wave of social media chat related to the case are both history now. The only thing that matters going forward is how a Ratcliffe run United process the decision they have to make at seasons end.
 
I think his stance is that he'd take him back at united, that's the impression I have. Not taking a stance upon seeing one set of evidence posted online isn't an uncommon position.


You say Man Utd aren't in a position to do an impartial investigation. Are you not doing your own impartial investigation where you've determined he's guilty having only seen one side of the evidence? Surely taking a position having not seen all the evidence is also being impartial?

I don't doubt you that miscarriages of justice are less common but I'm not willing to gamble on someone's innocence over it.

I don't make serious decisions on a whim - no. If I'm choosing a chocolate bar it's an easy decision. Choosing a new car, I do a bit more research and due diligence. Deciding if someone is guilty of serious crimes? I try to reserve judgement unless I can be certain. I don't just gamble on an outcome for the sake of taking a position.


Questions would be great to be answered but I don't think any of us are going to get the answers which we need. The case is closed, the couple are back together and they're now living in Spain. We're not owed anything and I doubt we will get an explanation in the near future. I hope at some stage maybe through a book or interview we learn me but for now I can't see that news coming anytime soon.

That's an interesting field which I presume gives you a different perspective. So do you think that Man Utds investigation was a mickey mouse investigation with the press release then used to push a narrative that he's not guilty?

What about the parents though? Do you not find the statement her dad made to the press strange and then I believe her mum was also involved in the Man Utd investigation. Between what the dad said and the conclusion of the Man UTd investigation - it leaves the impression both think he's not guilty after presumably seeing the same stuff on social media as the rest of us. How do we explain their position if the evidence was so damning?

I think the zero explanation or mitigation does make it difficult. Initially maybe was due to being under investigation but that no longer applies. Is it something embarrassing? Is it because he's guilty of some/all so there is no explanation. Does some of it reflect badly on her? I don't know. And that's where the parents confuse me too. Why are they seemingly defending MG from as early as the morning after the content was released. Yes abusers can talk people round but within 12 hours of accusations being made and spread across the internet? I'm sure he has lots of friends and families contact him too. So it just doesn't make sense. Can you make sense of it or offer an explanation?

And what are those opinions? Say he was found guilty and served a sentence and became involved with a domestic abuse charity sharing his story. Do you support his return to football and/or United. I agree about serving a punishment/sentence/consequences first for your actions too.



He is guilty of "making mistakes" but that's such a vague statement that it's impossible to comprehend what said mistakes are. Again we can go through different scenarios and come up with some theories but that's all they'll be.

I'm not saying anyone should believe he's innocent. How can people believe he's guilty when there's so much unknown too? We don't know. Unfortunately.

I've not seen many people try to claim he's innocent but I've not read the full thread. I just don't think everyone supporting a return is an apologist for his alleged crimes. I can maybe see why some may use that language but I think it's also used unfairly to quash discussion too.



But how can you be certain they're capable of such behaviour? To say they're capable is making an assumption of guilt. Or if by being accused makes you capable then you sort of are taking a stance.

The recording certainly isn't fake, I think if it was this would have been debunked by now? But if it's part of a longer recording which adds more context then this is critical. Man Utd give the impression the evidence doesn't give the full picture- does this mean there's a longer recording they've had access to which gives an explanation? Possibly. Or is it just a case of a statement which contradicts it? Possibly. But that's an important unknown.

Going through replying to all of these exchanges has made me reflect though. Mason Greenwood was a very exciting academy graduate and one of my favourite players in recent years. So is there a bias from my side- certainly will be.

Do I think alot of wealthy people get away with serious crimes? 100% I do. Wasn't the Giggs case possibly settled out of court or the accuser didn't show up to give evidence or something?

Then there is the Mendy case which did go to court but he wasn't found guilty? Was I as invested in that case - not at all. But due to it being multiple women (I believe?) accusing him of crimes I was more inclined to think that would have drawn a guilty verdict. I haven't researched the case to know the finer details and maybe he genuinely was innocent as he was found out to be. I presume he was given the verdict but again I've not followed the case in enough detail to have a strong view of it.

If I think of the Mason case compared to the Mendy one where I wasn't as invested then I can't deny there's an element of bias in my decision making.

But my principles still stand. I support players return to football guilty/innocent providing they've served the sentence for what they were found guilty and thst they're not a repeat offender or a risk. In instances which haven't went to court and no guilt has been found I stand the same.

It's a difficult subject and one I've reflected alot over in my reply. Particularly these last few paragraphs where I'm looking at my reaction to Greenwood compared to Mendy. Is that my conscious and unconscious bias influencing me? Quite possibly. But if both players were found guilty then I'd still support a return following their sentence and that doesn't change.

I've tried to be honest in my replies. Now I best get back to work as this took much longer than it should have.
I think this is a reasonable post. Wrong use of the word impartial, but excusable. Some good points. I haven’t thought all that much about this topic, but there are some odd angles to it.
 
It's a term used in legal circles, but it's really a legal terrm? Surely it's just used in context of influencing an actual trial, which there won't be, so it's just a discussion? One that is split 50/50 ish so who picks which side is the mob?

The "mob" is quite clearly the group trying to impose sanctions on an individual without a formal trial.
 
Given the stance seems to be "there are a lot of unknowns", when it comes to be a reason for him coming back, are you more worried about the possibility of him being innocent than the possibility of him being guilty? I feel as though that's where the divide seems to be.
 
This would be a more compelling argument if there wasn't a piece of incredibly damning evidence already in the public domain.
Mob's always have some evidence. In the days before ubiquitous cameras and social media it often used to be a personal accusation. Mob's may even often be correct in their judgement as the mob probably are in this case. What distinguishes mob rule is a lack of a formal legal proceeding where the accused has a chance to confront the accuser and the evidence against them and the imposition of sanctions that have never been passed into law.
 
Mob's always have some evidence. In the days before ubiquitous cameras and social media it often used to be a personal accusation. Mob's may even often be correct in their judgement as the mob probably are in this case. What distinguishes mob rule is a lack of a formal legal proceeding where the accused has a chance to confront the accuser and the evidence against them and the imposition of sanctions that have never been passed into law.
May that's why he was the breaking bail conditions to not contact her!
 
Mob's always have some evidence. In the days before ubiquitous cameras and social media it often used to be a personal accusation. Mob's may even often be correct in their judgement as the mob probably are in this case. What distinguishes mob rule is a lack of a formal legal proceeding where the accused has a chance to confront the accuser and the evidence against them and the imposition of sanctions that have never been passed into law.

Yes and no. You can't expect society to ignore a blatantly obvious piece of evidence already in the public domain just because the legal case was stopped due to a lack of cooperation by the victim and their family. The likes of OJ Simpson have been widely ostracized by the public despite not having been criminally convicted. Mel Gibson has been blackballed in Hollywood for a bizarre racist rant on a tape, and then a comparably bizarre anti-semitic rant when he was pulled over by a cop. Large swaths of the public decided that was enough to not support any of his films and he was quietly blackballed by the industry. These things do happen by way of public reaction, with or without criminal convictions.
 
Mob's always have some evidence. In the days before ubiquitous cameras and social media it often used to be a personal accusation. Mob's may even often be correct in their judgement as the mob probably are in this case. What distinguishes mob rule is a lack of a formal legal proceeding where the accused has a chance to confront the accuser and the evidence against them and the imposition of sanctions that have never been passed into law.
So evidence is bad?

What is the "mob" doing here? Sending him to jail? Giving him 100 hours community service? Requiring him to wear a tag? Or giving their opinion on whether they want him to play at the club they support?
 
Yes and no. You can't expect society to ignore a blatantly obvious piece of evidence already in the public domain just because the legal case was stopped due to a lack of cooperation by the victim and their family. The likes of OJ Simpson have been widely ostracized by the public despite not having been criminally convicted. Mel Gibson has been blackballed in Hollywood for a bizarre racist rant on a tape, and then a comparably bizarre anti-semitic rant when he was pulled over by a cop. Large swaths of the public decided that was enough to not support any of his films and he was quietly blackballed by the industry. These things do happen by way of public reaction, with or without criminal convictions.

I don't expect anything. I'm just holding a mirror up to those who don't seem to realize they are the mob in the phrase mob rule. Mob rule is generally popular at the time, that's how you can get a mob. It's the same impulse that leads to the popularity of vigilante movies and books. But, it is "trial by social media" or mob rule.

OJ had a widely televised and publicised trial and access to capable lawyers to present his defence. He was acquitted by the jury but much of the public who had seen the trial concluded the jury was influenced by racial bias. And his football career was long over though I believe he lost a lucrative broadcasting career in the aftermath. So, it's debatable in his case. But, Mel Gibson was definitely a victim of trial by media.
 
Yes and no. You can't expect society to ignore a blatantly obvious piece of evidence already in the public domain just because the legal case was stopped due to a lack of cooperation by the victim and their family. The likes of OJ Simpson have been widely ostracized by the public despite not having been criminally convicted. Mel Gibson has been blackballed in Hollywood for a bizarre racist rant on a tape, and then a comparably bizarre anti-semitic rant when he was pulled over by a cop. Large swaths of the public decided that was enough to not support any of his films and he was quietly blackballed by the industry. These things do happen by way of public reaction, with or without criminal convictions.
You mean that people were put off by the things he said, decided not to watch his films and the producers decided it wouldnt be profitable to produce them?
 
Worth noting that OJ was found guilty in civil case and had to pay millions in damages
 
Worth noting that OJ was found guilty in civil case and had to pay millions in damages
Could that possibly be that a civil case is decided on the balance of probabilities as apposed to beyond all reasonable doubt.

But we're only allowed to use beyond all reasonable doubt with Greenwood?
 
You mean that people were put off by the things he said, decided not to watch his films and the producers decided it wouldnt be profitable to produce them?

Yes. Mostly by the industry itself. He's still been active over the past decade, but in a much lower profile than his previous Hollywood star persona of he 80s, 90s, and most of the 2000s.
 
Yes. Mostly by the industry itself. He's still been active over the past decade, but in a much lower profile than his previous Hollywood star persona of he 80s, 90s, and most of the 2000s.
Another more recent celebrity example of trial by social media is Johnny Depp. He was tried and convicted by the mob. Then got his day in court and was able to present his side of the story. The jury result was a mixed bag that seemed to indicate they were both somewhat guilty. The PR result was that his ex-wife was held to be equally responsible for their terrible marriage with him and while I wouldn't say he has been redeemed, I think it's fair to say he is held in less odiom than prior to the trial.
 
Yes. Mostly by the industry itself. He's still been active over the past decade, but in a much lower profile than his previous Hollywood star persona of he 80s, 90s, and most of the 2000s.
Looking at what he’s been once since then he’s definitely been relegated in status
 
Given the stance seems to be "there are a lot of unknowns", when it comes to be a reason for him coming back, are you more worried about the possibility of him being innocent than the possibility of him being guilty? I feel as though that's where the divide seems to be.
Yes it’s far worse accusing an innocent person. (That’s aside from this case by the way) m. I think being falsely accused would be absolutely horrendous and surely that’s why the courts are set up the way they are to minimise that risk.
 
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