Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says he was “not surprised” by the reaction from supporters over comments he made about Mason Greenwood.
De Zerbi’s appointment was opposed by some fan groups because of remarks he made about Greenwood, who he signed and managed at Marseille – prompting the Italian to apologise after being named Spurs boss.
Former Manchester United forward Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022 before they were dropped in February 2023.
Asked about the fan backlash, De Zerbi said: “I wasn’t surprised.”
Speaking on Friday as he prepares to take Spurs to Sunderland on Sunday (14:00 BST) in his first game in charge, he added: “I was a bit sad and sorry it happened because I’m sorry if somebody took offence.
“I must repeat what I said. This topic is very close to me. I’m very sensitive about this topic because of the person I am and because I have a daughter.
“And so I must repeat what I said the other time. I have always been against – always – any type of violence, especially against women. But not only violence – even just sexist jokes or other sexist behaviours.
“I have a daughter and I’m directly affected by it. I know who I am. I know the type of person I am, so I wasn’t annoyed by the questions – I’m just sad about them.”
De Zerbi’s comments on Greenwood which angered Tottenham fans were made last November before a Champions League game against Newcastle.
“I don’t want to get involved in anyone’s private life,” the former Marseille boss said.
“All I can see is that Mason seems a good lad, he paid in a strong way for what happened. He has probably here found the right environment for him, which gave him affection, and held out its hand to him.
“When I look at him as a person, I feel sad for what happened in his life, without getting into the details. Because the person I know here is very different to the one that has been described, especially in England.”
De Zerbi was accused of downplaying the allegations and painting Greenwood as a victim.
The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust told the club it could not support the appointment of De Zerbi while Ali Speechly, co-founder of Women of the Lane, said her group also opposed his hiring.