By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been dropped by sportswear giant Nike following his arrest on suspicion of rape.
The 20-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of assault and then later on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill.
The forward was later released on bail by Greater Manchester Police(GMP).
Nike last week issued a statement saying it was “deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation”.
It has now confirmed Greenwood will no longer be endorsed by the company.
“Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete,” the firm said in a statement.
United have removed all Greenwood merchandise from their website, with his name absent from a drop-down list of players’ names for replica shirts.
A number of sponsors have reacted by distancing themselves from the player.
Greater Manchester Police did not name the footballer last week but said: “A 20-year-old man arrested on Sunday, January 30, 2022 on suspicion of the rape and assault of a woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.”