Richard Arnold has been the subject of backlash since Manchester United announced its decision to part ways with Mason Greenwood, months after he was exonerated from assault and rape charges.
Richard Arnold addresses Man United’s decision to drop Mason Greenwood
In a statement, Arnold made several eyebrow-raising assertions about the reasons behind the club’s decision to part ways with Greenwood.
“When audio footage and imagery was posted online in January 2022, my feelings were of shock and concern for the alleged victim. Her welfare, wishes and perspective have been central to the club’s approach ever since, as have the club’s standards and values.
“While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him and the importance of making a decision based on full information. Until February this year, this was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It was only when charges were dropped that the club discussed the allegations with Mason and others involved in the case,” he wrote.
Arnold, following an extensive internal inquiry that sought recommendations from several roleplayers, including the England women’s football team, concluded — without access to evidence used in the criminal investigation — “Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with.”
“I am restricted as to what I can say for legal reasons, including the alleged victim’s ongoing right to anonymity, but I am able to share the following with you which should give you some insight into the complexity of this case. The alleged victim requested the police to drop their investigation in April 2022.
“We were provided with alternative explanations for the audio recording, which was a short excerpt from a much longer recording, and for the images posted online. The alleged victim’s family participated in the process and were given the opportunity to review and correct our factual findings,” Arnold said.
Of course, Arnold’s stance received widespread backlash.
Unpacking Arnold: Here’s everything we know about Mn United’s CEO
In the midst of the online frenzy, we did a bit of background research into Manchester United’s chief executive and here’s what we found:
His role at Manchester United
Richard Arnold holds the position of Chief Executive Officer and Director of Manchester United. Before assuming an executive seat on the club’s board of directors, Arnold served as Group Managing Director. where he oversaw all commercial and operational aspects of the company.
Prior to that and until 30 June 2013, Arnold was the Commercial Director of Man United, responsible for “the management and growth of the company’s sponsorship business, retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing business, and digital media business.”
A champion for LGBTQIA+ rights
Arnold’s impact extends beyond football strategy. He has been recognised for his commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Manchester United.
Acknowledged as an LGBTQIA+ Executive Ally by the charity OUTstanding, he has actively worked to promote diversity and inclusivity.
A career history in technology
Prior to his role at Manchester United, Arnold served as Deputy Managing Director of InterVoice Ltd, a technology company, where he was “responsible for the international channel sales and marketing division of InterVoice Inc., a NASDAQ listed technology company, between 2002 and 2007.”
Education and Qualifications
Arnold holds an honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biology obtained from Bristol University in 1993. Additionally, he earned his Chartered Accountancy qualification obtained from the same institution in 1996.
