Ryan Giggs charged with assault and controlling behaviour

Former Manchester United footballer accused of assaulting two women during alleged incident at his home in November 2020

Former footballer Ryan Giggs has been charged with assaulting two women and controlling or coercive behaviour, the Crown Prosecution Service has said (David Davies/PA)

Former footballer Ryan Giggs has been charged with assaulting two women and controlling or coercive behaviour.

The Wales manager, 47, is accused of causing actual bodily harm to a woman in her thirties at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, in November 2020.

The ex-Manchester United player faces an additional charge of coercive and controlling behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.

Mr Giggs has also been charged with the common assault of a second woman, aged in her twenties, during the same alleged incident.

Greater Manchester Police said the first woman was treated for injuries at the scene after officers were called to reports of a disturbance at an address in Chatsworth Road at about 10pm on 1 November.

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement: “We have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Ryan Giggs with engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

“A charge of assault by beating relating to a second woman has also been authorised.

“Mr Giggs will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28 April.

“The CPS made the decision to charge Mr Giggs after reviewing a file of evidence from Greater Manchester Police.

“Criminal proceedings are active and nothing should be published that could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) said in a statement: “The Football Association of Wales has noted the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service to proceed with charging Ryan Giggs, the men’s national team manager.

“In light of this decision, the FAW can confirm that Robert Page will assume the role of Cymru Men’s National Team manager for this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament and will be assisted by Albert Stuivenberg.

“An FAW board meeting will be convened to discuss these developments and its impact on the Association and the national team.

“The FAW will not be making any further comment at this current time.”

Mr Giggs said in a statement: “I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I will plead not guilty in court and look forward to clearing my name.

“I would like to wish Robert Page, the coaching staff, the players and the supporters every success at the Euros this summer.”

Additional reporting by PA