Issue 1 – 18th August 2023
With the return of the English Premier League last weekend and with FIFA Women’s World Cup reaching its exciting conclusion, what better opportunity to kick-off a look at some of the recent stories from the world’s most popular sport through a reputational lens.
1.) Lauren James’ red card against Jamaica
Overview
The Lionesses have pushed on from their UEFA European Women’s Championships success and made it to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final against Spain this Sunday 20th August, the first ‘England in a (football) World Cup Final’ since 1966. Huge congratulations to them and all the very best for Sunday.
As is commonplace at the pinnacles of sport, new heroes emerge and make their mark on the global stage. Chelsea player, Lauren James has leapt into this role for England, becoming one of their leading goal scorers with three goals and a further three assists.
She has also played the role of villain; she trod on a Jamaican opponent, Michelle Alozie, during a tackle at the end of the last-16 tie, resulting an initial yellow card which on review was replaced by a red one, resulting in an eventual two match ban.
Analysis
A red card for an England player has historically led to serious repercussions for that person’s reputation. Just look at the nation’s and media’s response to David Beckham’s red card against Argentina in 1998. This time however was different. A prompt quote after the game from England Manager, Serina Weigman, drew any heat away from the ‘culprit’, while a statement in response from the Lionesses and Ms. James’ own apology and response to Ms. Alozie’s social media post on the matter showed genuine responsibility and sincere regret. One could argue drawing comparisons with 1998 is misguided – The Lionesses were in a winning position, the card was late on, the Lionesses went through to the Quarter Finals regardless – but still, a red card is a red card (and a two-match ban).
Verdict
All still to play for, but the speed and sincerity of apology and ownership enhances Ms. James’ reputation. Let’s hope Ms. James is able to play in the Final and embellish her and her teammates’ heroine credentials once more.
2.) Harry Kane signing for Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur
Overview
The seemingly never-ending saga of ‘will he’ or ‘won’t he’ leave Tottenham Hotspur (whom I support btw) came to its conclusion moments before the season began. After, I imagine, a slightly sweaty delay at Stansted last Friday while Spurs’ management had second, third and probably fourth thoughts about letting their talisman actually leave, the Spurs and England captain eventually took to the skies to go and play for a new club in a foreign land.
Analysis
Regardless of whether Harry Kane returns to Spurs one day (perhaps only to have a crack at breaking the all-time Premier League goalscoring record by banging in another 48 goals) the entire atmosphere surrounding his departure has been wholly positive. Tottenham rolled out various montages of Kane’s greatest moments on their socials, while teammates old and new posted heartfelt wishes of good luck. The man himself came across as modest, proud and grateful in his own social messages.
Summary
Harry Kane has barely put a foot wrong in his career (bar perhaps that second penalty vs. France) and the manner of his departure, in spite of the obvious gloom it has caused, reinforces the positivity and professionalism of his career thus far.
Verdict
Reputation enhanced. Fans across the world are united in wishing Harry Kane well, wherever he plays.
3.) Manchester United and Mason Greenwood
Overview
Manchester United has a rich history of creating young footballing talent and striker Mason Greenwood was heralded as a star of the future. A potential star that is until, after the publication on social media of an incriminating voice-recording by his girlfriend at the time and images showing bruises and wounds, he was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault and was later charged. The specific details of the case can be found in this report from the Manchester Evening News from February this year. However, the case against Mr. Greenwood was eventually discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
At the time of the announcement in February, Manchester United released their own statement, saying they will conduct its own process before making any decision about the future of Mason Greenwood as a Manchester United player.
Manchester United have still not published the outcome of their process, stating that they wish to understand the sentiments within their Women’s Team, three key players of whom are currently away at the Women’s World Cup in Australia. Ahead of United’s men’s team’s first match this season against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a group of match-going supporters protested against Mr. Greenwood’s potential return to the first team squad.
Analysis
Given the nature of the evidence against Mr. Greenwood, which is easy to find online, it would be easy for the court of public opinion to conclude that he is guilty as charged. The fact Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous football clubs have chosen, ultimately, to let their women’s team decide whether the team can continue to employ a person with serious doubts regarding his behaviour is weak and shows a lack of ownership. United’s internal process has taken more than six months, a huge amount of time for a decision about anything, let alone an issue about which the evidence is clear for all to see.
Summary
In our opinion, Manchester United should release Mr. Greenwood and let him ply his trade elsewhere. He is young, his career can be restarted. It will likely be a long and hard road but with the right guidance and a new attitude evidenced by sustained positive actions and behaviours, there could be an opportunity for redemption.
Verdict
Manchester United’s senior management should have gripped this matter far more quickly and their hesitation is eroding their reputation. The longer this uncertainty goes on, the greater the message that Manchester United care more about the men’s team on the pitch, rather than take decisive measures with an ’employee’ who, in the court of public opinion at least, has seemingly ducked justice. One can kick footballs down the road all day long, but cans are another matter, as Manchester United continue to remain in the process of finding out.
