Welsh football idol Ryan Giggs has pleaded “innocent” at the start of his eagerly awaited trial, primarily for physically assaulting and abusing his former partner.
The case before the Crown Criminal Court in Manchester against the ex-national coach is scheduled for two weeks, according to Judge Hilary Manley.
After his statement, the public prosecutor’s office accused the 48-year-old club icon of England’s record champions Manchester United of massive assaults against the alleged main victim and “continuing abuse” of the woman.
If convicted, Giggs faces up to five years in prison.
“Litany of Abuse – Physical and Psychological”
Giggs was heavily charged in the indictment. The former winger “performed a litany of abuse – physical and psychological – on a woman he pretended to love in a manipulative, toxic and destructive relationship spanning four years. The defendant’s behavior became increasingly obsessive and intended to erode her self-esteem.” , said prosecutor Peter Wright at the reading of the indictment.
The police temporarily arrested Giggs in autumn 2020 for alleged violent attacks against his then partner and her sister. The former star was later released on bail.
At a court hearing last year, Giggs had already rejected all allegations against the two sisters and declared himself “innocent”.
Clean image during career
The allegations are in stark contrast to Giggs’ public image. The Welshman is particularly revered by Red Devils fans for his loyalty, as Giggs has only played for Manchester throughout his professional career and is Old Trafford’s record-breaking 963 appearances.
Winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cup wins and two Champions League triumphs has made Manchester’s crowd favorite the most successful player in British football.
In June, Giggs resigned as coach of his native country. The striker had already suspended the office last year because of the allegations of violence. Meanwhile, Wales qualified for the World Cup in Qatar (21 November to 18 December) under Giggs’ assistant Rob Page.