Gary Neville slams ‘horrible’ Man Utd handling of Mason Greenwood case
Gary Neville believes independent panels should investigate serious allegations made against footballers after criticising Manchester United’s “pretty horrible” handling of the Mason Greenwood case. United announced on Monday that Greenwood will leave the club by mutual agreement, with the forward suspended since January 2022 over allegations relating to a young woman after images and videos were posted online. Charges against the 21-year-old England international including attempted rape and assault were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in February this year, leading to United conducting an internal probe into the matter. While Neville feels they have belatedly reached the right result, the former United captain is appalled at how his former employers have dealt with the situation and called for instances of this magnitude to be taken out of a club’s hands in future. He said on Sky Sports: “They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again. “I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires and authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that. “On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence. It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue, not just for themselves but also for the game. “People talk about the reputation (hit) to Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well. “My view is on issues of this importance and severity (is) they should be dealt with independently by a panel because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.” It was reported last week that chief executive Richard Arnold told the club’s executive leadership in early August that United were planning to bring Greenwood back. That story and further information led increased pressure on the club, with Arnold publishing a public letter to supporters upon the conclusion of their in-house investigation. Former England midfielder Karen Carney said on Sky Sports: “I empathise with anyone that’s been through or has been triggered by the conversations that we’ve been having. “Personally I feel really uneasy with the situation. I think Manchester United, as an institution and a football club and what it stands for, have handled this really, really poorly.” Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher added: “You almost think of what decision Manchester United may have come to if these stories hadn’t been leaked and then you get the force of public opinion, that would be a worry. Ultimately, they’ve got to the right decision.” Women’s Aid, a charity which works to eliminate domestic abuse against women and children, welcomed the news that Greenwood would no longer play for United. A spokesperson said: “We know that today’s news from Manchester United that Greenwood will be moving on from the club will be a relief for many survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. “Football is loved by so many people worldwide, and players are often idolised by fans, so the way that alleged domestic abuse cases are treated in clubs has a huge impact on public understanding about what is accepted and tolerated in society. “We have heard first-hand the impact this case and the related materials shared on social media have had on survivors of abuse, and while next steps are established following the outcome of Manchester United’s internal investigation, this will happen away from centre stage of Old Trafford. “With many survivors never contacting the police to report abuse in the first place, and the majority of domestic and sexual-abuse cases not resulting in a criminal conviction, it is vital that clubs – like all employers – have an approach that is wider than the criminal justice system, and which deals with the reality of the scale of the issue. “This needs to involve addressing the attitudes that underpin domestic and sexual abuse, and working with players from a young age to make it clear that clubs stand against sexism and misogyny. This is an issue that reaches far wider than football, with misogynistic content widely available on social media, so it is important to recognise how widespread harmful attitudes are and address this.” The Manchester United Supporters Trust criticised the club’s handling of the case but said the right decision had been made. A MUST statement read: “Since the deeply distressing initial allegations surfaced, this episode has been allowed to drag out for far too long as the club has carried out an investigative process. “Moreover, the complete lack of consultation with fans even with respect to process added fuel to the fire. While the speculation and discussion in the last couple of weeks has been profoundly unhelpful and reflected very poorly on the club, it is clear that they have in the end reached the right decision. “We are relieved that this matter can now be put behind us and will be working with the club to ensure lessons have been learned from this very troubling episode.” Read More Football rumours: Manchester City’s bid for Lucas Paqueta set to crumble Mason Greenwood: Man Utd announce striker will leave club Women’s Aid welcomes Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood decision Mason Greenwood latest LIVE - Updates on Man Utd forward Man United keen to sign Jonny Evans despite Harry Maguire’s transfer collapse Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace
1970-01-01 08:00
Is Bianca Censori in charge of Kanye West's 2024 bid? Rapper claims wife will be the 'perfect first lady'
Kanye West is gearing up to run for President in 2024 and has revamped his brand, giving additional responsibilities to his wife Bianca Censori
1970-01-01 08:00
Bosnia-Herzegovina country profile
Provides an overview of Bosnia, including key dates and facts about this country in the Balkans.
1970-01-01 08:00
Beauty pageant winner claims title wearing raw meat in protest to being objectified
The winner of Miss BumBum 2023 has left fans shocked after turning up to claim her title dressed in an outfit made of raw meat to protest her being “seen as a piece of meat”. Contestant, Lari Sumpani, 24, was crowned in the first place, with Sabrina Rabanne, the runner-up, and Rafaela Dias taking third place. The final presentation of the beauty pageant took place on 18 August in São Paulo, Brazil. Things took a turn towards the end of the show, as Lari Sumpani, who has 265,000 followers on Instagram (@eusumpani), decided to draw attention to an issue close to her heart – the objectification of women. "I'm only seen as a piece of meat, but contrary to what many people think, I have content,” she told NudePR.com. In a photo, Lari, who has previously hit the headlines for discussing her ‘sex diet’ fitness routine, can be seen wearing a small, bikini-like top and short skirt. The thin slices of red, fatty meat appear to be stitched together, as they hang down the model’s body. Lari also shared a video of the unusual co-ords, which has over 70,000 views online. The look is somewhat reminiscent of the memorable outfit Lady Gaga once wore to the MTV Awards in 2010. MissBumBum viewers have been left divided, with some fans reportedly calling the move inappropriate, while others have praised the move. “There was a steak for sure,” joked one fan. “Congratulations Lari, well deserved. Success smp for you,” added someone else. [sic] “Nothing but strength,” added another person. Lari can also be seen posing with her fellow contestants who are donned up in glitzy dresses, as well as bikinis and lacy underwear. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
1970-01-01 08:00
When people ripped her store’s Pride flag, Laura Carleton hung up another. This time it ended with her murder
When people first ripped down the Pride flag hanging outside her Cedar Glen clothing store, Laura Ann Carleton simply got another and hung it straight back up. Friends say this happened multiple times in the two years since she opened the California store as a second outpost to her first location in Studio City. And, throughout it all, the 66-year-old mother-of-nine remained defiant as a prominent ally to the LGBT+ community. This weekend, it happened once again. Except this time, the flag removal ended with her murder – with the perpetrator shooting her in cold blood in the street. On Friday, police said that the gunman began complaining about the Pride flag hanging outside of the store on Hook Creek Road. He then pulled out a gun, fatally shooting Carleton. The killer, who was named by authorities as Travis Ikeguchi, 27, then fled the scene before being tracked down and killed in an encounter with law enforcement. Hollywood stars and LGBT+ community members are now speaking out about Carleton’s horrific murder, condemning the senseless killing and paying tribute to the 66-year-old – while warning that her shocking murder is a sign of the anti-LGBT+ sentiment and hate spreading across the US. Murder over a rainbow flag On Friday, 18 August at 5pm officers from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a person who had been shot at the Mag Pi clothing store. When police arrived on the scene, they saw that Carleton was suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials from the San Bernardino County sheriff’s office said that there was an initial altercation that took place at Carleton’s clothing store over an LGBT+ pride flag that the owner has displayed outside of her store. The suspect made “several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton,” police said. The suspect then fled the scene and was later located near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road, armed with a handgun. Police said in a statement when officials attempted to “contact the suspect a lethal force encounter occurred, and the suspect was pronounced deceased.” The investigation into Carleton’s death is ongoing and police said no further details are being released. Residents are urged to contact the homicide department with any information about the incident. A ‘true ally’ and fashion leader Carleton, 66, also known as “Lauri” was the owner of Mag Pi clothing in California. She started her career in fashion during her teenage years and worked in the family business at Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles, while attending the Art Centre School of Design, according to the Mag Pi store website. Carleton then began running the “top fashion” show floor in the US at Joseph Magnin Century City. She then joined Kenneth Cole and remained there for over 15 years, where she worked with factories and design teams in Italy and Spain. The designer travelled with her husband across the US, Europe and South America, which fuelled her love for design, fashion, food, fine art and architecture among other things. Her clothing store, Mag Pi, is “all about tackling everyday life with grace and ease and continuing to dream,” the website reads. Carleton’s daughter, Ari, posted a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram, remembering her mother as a “fearless, cool and compassionate” human being and describing her death as a “hate crime.” The caption said: “As most of you know our beautiful mommy was taken from us in a senseless act of violence on Friday August 18th. She was murdered over a pride flag that she proudly hung on her storefront. Make no mistake, this was a hate crime. Her flags had been torn down before and she always responded by putting up a bigger one. Our family is broken. We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch.” The post continued: “We find peace in knowing she passed quickly in a place she cherished, doing what she loved while fiercely defending something she believed in. She was fearless, cool and compassionate – always putting others first. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that our family has received from loved ones and strangers alike, it has provided hope and light in our darkest days. We will continue to advocate for love, equality and acceptance in everything that we do. Love will always triumph over hate.” ‘This intolerance has to end’ Tributes are now pouring in for the “beloved” mother of nine and business owner who was known to be a supporter and advocate of theLGBT+ community. The death of Carleton has led to outrage across the country, with family, friends and famous figures sharing their grief on social media. Actor George Takei, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that her death was a result of the anti-LGBT+ sentiment coming from the right. “This is the result of the hate they spew. An innocent woman, a gentle and loving soul, has lost her life” he said. “My heart aches for her family in the wake of this horrific murder. Those responsible go beyond the murderer. Every anti-LGBTQ politician, bigoted pundit, and right-wing hate monger has Laura Carleton’s blood on their hands.” Close friend and Hollywood director Paul Feig, whose works include Bridesmaids and The Heat, posted a tribute on Sunday, calling Carleton his “wonderful friend”. The post, captioned with a photo of Carleton and him said: “We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally. “This intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people. Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain,” he added. The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ community also described Carleton as a "friend and supporter” and said that although she did not identify as LGBTQ+, she spent her time “helping and advocating for everyone in the community.” Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis also posted a tribute and said Carleton was a “strong ally” within the community. Davis’s caption said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Lauri and shopping in her charming store over the summer. I cannot comprehend what has happened and I can only imagine what her family and close friends are going through. “We cannot rest in our work towards love and understanding and equality for every person. It is abundantly clear that divisive senseless hate is the only motive for this hate crime. Lauri was a strong ally, when her Pride flags were stolen she quickly replaced them. To think that she was murdered for her support of our LQBTQ+ family tears my heart into pieces. “I want Lauri to be known as the HERO she was and is. I want her family to know we are thinking of them and for everyone to know that we must continue to stand up for what is right! #lovewins.” Read More Laura Carleton shooting – latest: Travis Ikeguchi named as gunman who killed mother-of-nine over Pride flag Travis Ikeguchi: What we know about the gunman who shot Laura Carleton over Pride flag Jamie Lee Curtis and Paul Feig lead reactions to shooting of California store owner over Pride flag
1970-01-01 08:00
Why did LA school drop lawsuit against Kevin Federline? Britney Spears' ex-husband gets relief over non-payment of daughters' tuition fee
Kevin Federline was sued by Los Angeles-based private school West Valley Christian School for non-payment of $15k
1970-01-01 08:00
Windows are shattered in a Moscow suburb as Russia says it thwarts latest Ukraine drone attack
Russian officials say air defense systems have thwarted four nighttime Ukrainian drone attacks
1970-01-01 08:00
Germany Seen Overestimating Its Climate Protection Efforts
The German government is overestimating the impact of its recently announced climate protection efforts and will likely make
1970-01-01 08:00
Sienna Miller pregnant with her second child
Sienna Miller is currently expecting her second child, it has been reported by multiple outlets. Photographs of the Lost City of Z star published by People magazine reveal Miller with a visible baby bump while on a beach holiday in Ibiza. The 41-year-old actor was pictured in a brown string bikini, with gold accessories, and could be seen smiling as she enjoyed the sea breeze. In one image, she wrapped a grey towel with a red stripe around her hips, accentuating her growing bump. Her second pregnancy comes 10 years after the birth of her first child, Marlowe, whom she shares with her former fiance, The Sandman star Tom Sturridge. According to the outlet, Miller was seen spending time with her boyfriend, actor Oli Green, in St Tropez before arriving in Ibiza. She has not commented publicly on her pregnancy and it is unclear what stage she is in. The Independent has contacted Miller’s representative for comment. Last December, Miller opened up about being a parent to British Vogue. She said she “loves being a mother”, adding: “It’s what I do best.” However, the American Woman star has also felt “pressure” to expand her family after turning 40. Speaking to Elle UK, Miller described questions surrounding whether she should have more children and why she has not as “a really loud noise”. “Biology is incredibly cruel on women in that decade – that’s the headline, or it certainly was for me,” she said. “Then I got to 40 and I froze some eggs. Having been really focused on the need to have another baby, I’m just like, if it happens, it happens. That kind of existential threat has dissipated.” Miller and Sturridge dated from 2011 to 2015, and their daughter was born in July 2012. They continue to be good friends and co-parents, and have been known to travel together and stay at one another’s houses as they continue to put Marlowe first. “It’s not like there’s a structure for custody,” Miller told Elle UK in 2019. “We make it work. It’s not conventional.” Reflecting on her relationship with her daughter, Miller told People: “When you are raising a child you see aspects of your character in that person, reflected back, and it’s the most loving, intense relationship that I have. There’s nowhere to hide. “She knows me, I know her. She’s really stubborn, which is very like me. I see her as her own person but I also see genetic things. She’s heaven, my kid.” Read More No music, no ball games, no fun: society is wiping out play Comedian Mark Watson says three-year affair was way of avoiding ‘the fact I wasn’t special’ Rihanna and A$AP Rocky reportedly welcome second child together Jana Kramer reveals she couldn’t brush her teeth for three months while pregnant Mom documents at-home abortion to destigmatise abortion pills Rumer Willis addresses criticism over breastfeeding photo with her child
1970-01-01 08:00
Jonas Brothers' mom Denise tells 'Today' host Sheinelle Jones how she feels about sons' love lives
Denise Jonas told Sheinelle Jones about bringing up the pop singers and the hurdles she faced on the way
1970-01-01 08:00
Is this the end of Bravo? Staggering allegations made by reality stars may well spell the end of popular network as we know it
Numerous reality TV stars including 'Real Housewives of New York City' star Bethenny Frankel have accused NBC and Bravo of mistreatment
1970-01-01 08:00
Mason Greenwood speaks out on Manchester United exit: ‘I made mistakes’
Mason Greenwood has admitted to “making mistakes” after it was revealed he would not continue his career at Manchester United. Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour, following social media posts which appeared to reveal the now 21-year-old forcing himself upon a woman, before those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February. United carried out their own internal investigation and have now concluded by mutual agreement with the player that his career should continue “away from Old Trafford”. In a statement, Greenwood 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 [the charges were actually dropped by the CPS when key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light]. “However, I fully accept I made mistakes ... and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father.” Greenwood joined Manchester United as a young boy and broke into the club’s first team as a teenager, before earning a single international cap for England. But he will now look to rekindle his football career at a new club. “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.” Greenwood has two years left on his contract with the club. Read More Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace
1970-01-01 08:00
