The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) confirmed that former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood was gaining Jamaican citizenship to play for the national football team.

Greenwood has had his fair share of controversy after being charged with attempted rape, domestic assault, and coercive behaviour in January 2022.

However, his girlfriend, the alleged victim, withdrew her cooperation, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped Greenwood’s charges in February 2023 after new evidence emerged.

Despite this legal resolution, images of the alleged abuse and a damning voice recording still linger online.

At the time of the controversy, Mason said: “I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.

“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.”

But his statement is not factually accurate. Greenwood’s charges were dropped because the key witness withdrew their involvement and new material came to light. Mason Greenwood was not cleared of the allegations against him.

He joined La Liga club Getafe on loan for the 2023–24 season and is now at the Ligue 1 club Marseille.

When Mail Online asked about the possibility of Greenwood’s reputation affecting LaLiga earlier this year, LaLiga chief Javier Tebas said: “If Greenwood came off as innocent and wasn’t condemned [convicted], there is no more to talk about. In Spain, we have had other cases.”

When he was reminded that Greenwood didn’t go to trial, Tebas simply said: “Well, he wasn’t condemned, so I don’t care.”

Keeping these details in mind, there are ethical implications that must be taken into account when dealing with controversial individuals regarding sensitive subject matters like rape and domestic violence (DV).

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported 8,500 cases of domestic abuse cases in 2023, in a country like Jamaica, domestic violence and intimate partner violence run rampant and are somewhat normalised in our culture.

In a country that already doesn’t take DV seriously enough, Greenwoods’ eventual addition to the team rubs me the wrong way.

I strongly believe that legality and morality are not always aligned. Just because charges were dropped does not mean that the ethical concerns will suddenly disappear.

In Greenwood’s case, the lack of a legal conviction does not erase the serious nature of the allegations or the concerns about the impact on victims and public perception.

Another case similar to the footballer’s involved ‘Rick and Morty’ creator Justin Roiland. Roiland was cleared of DV charges due to insufficient evidence needed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Roiland took to Twitter (now X) to celebrate his ‘win’.

People seem to forget that cases being dropped is a common outcome in abuse cases. When victims decide to stop cooperating the prosecution can dismiss the case. Not to mention that abuse allegations need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, other people do not share my sentiments.

“Everyone deserves a fair chance,” a 50-year-old Garfield said. “He wasn’t convicted of anything so I think it’s wonderful he can come play for Jamaica.”

Another person who chose not to be identified said: “He’s a perfect replacement for Leon Bailey. Him can play ball.”

On the contrary, university student, Jaeden expresses that Greenwood should be in prison.

“All football fans saw what he did and I think it’s terrible that even after all that evidence people still think that he has a place in society let alone playing a sport at an elite level.”

Greenwood is still with his girlfriend and welcomed a daughter on July 14, last year. This makes his situation even more complex and leads fans to dismiss his allegations altogether as the pair have been together since high school.

Their long history and recent milestones might lead some to see their relationship as having overcome past challenges, but this is merely speculation.

Maybe she just decided to forgive the alleged abuse.

But, bear in mind, that women suspected of being in abusive relationships don’t often leave their partners on the first offence.

Mason Greenwood joining Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz sends an overt message. He had never previously shown interest in playing for Jamaica or any country outside of England and his former club, Manchester United, especially before his career started to suffer.

The fact that former United coach Steve McClaren now leads the Reggae Boyz also benefits Greenwood’s case.

It’s a smart and strategic move, sure. Greenwood’s talent is undeniable, he may even finally strengthen the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, we cannot ignore the ethical implications of his past controversies and the seriousness of the allegations.

Sports organisations should weigh the advantages of including a player like Greenwood against the potential message this decision sends about accountability and moral integrity.

It was for this very reason he lost so many sponsorships and brand deals in the first place.

Organisations, especially in Jamaica, ought to be cautious about supporting individuals with serious allegations, as it could be perceived as condoning or minimising the issues at hand.

In multiple news reports on Mason’s transition to Jamaica, there was no mention of his allegations by the JFF. Why is this so? Are they going the forgiveness route or do they want to refuse to comment on the player’s past to distance themselves from the controversy altogether?