Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has been one of the most decorative footballer in English football history. From being a dazzling teenage talent to a potential player, Giggs has always remained in spotlight. The former United star will once again grabbed a lot of limelight on Monday as he stands trial on charges of controlling and coercive behavior against his former girlfriend Kate Greville.
The 47-year-old is accused for assaulting Greville, causing her actual bodily harm and common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville at his home. The 48-year-old, who until recently served as a coach of the Wales national team, has pleaded non-guilty to the charges, which has a maximum jail term of five years. The charges further specify that his behavior towards Greville, 36 included the use of 'isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse.'
Ryan Giggs was held by police at his home in November 2020 and released on bail. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty at an initial court appearance in April last year. His trial was due to be heard in January but it was delayed due to a backlog of court cases caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, implications of the case is already visible on his career as Ryan Giggs missed the chance to lead Wales to last year's European Championships after being placed on leave by the Welsh FA since November 2020. He finally resigned from that role in June after Wales qualified for the World Cup under the stewardship of his former Rob Page. He said he did not want "continued interest around this case" to effect the team as it prepares for this year's World Cup in Qatar. He remains on conditional bail, and looks forward to clearing his name.
Ryan Giggs ended his illustrious career at Old Trafford as the most-decorated player in English football history. He made a club record of 963 appearances over 23 years for Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
He began his coaching career at Old Trafford, taking temporary charge at the end of the 2013/14 season after David Moyes was sacked before working as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years. Ryan Giggs was appointed Wales boss in January 2018 and guided them to secure qualification for Euro 2020, just their second major tournament appearance since the 1958 World Cup.