Ryan Giggs pleads not guilty to domestic abuse charges

Former Manchester United player and Wales head coach Ryan Giggs pleaded not guilty to multiple domestic abuse charges on Wednesday.

Giggs appeared at Manchester magistrate court charged with two assaults his ex Kate Greville and her sister Emma Greville, alleged to have taken place at his home in Salford on 2 November last year.

He also faces charges of engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour towards his former partner between 2017 and 2020.

As reported by multiple outlets, including the Guardian, the former Manchester United star entered a not guilty plea for all charges.

Giggs was bailed and is scheduled to appear at Manchester crown court on 26 May. The conditions of his bail prevent him from contacting his former partner, or travelling to an address where she is present.

Giggs is accused of: "repeatedly or continuously engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, namely, used violence, isolation, belittling, humiliation, harassment, degradation and abuse towards Kate Greville, to whom, at the time of the behaviour, you were personally connected in that you were in an intimate relationship, that behaviour having a serious effect on her, and you knew or ought to have known that the behaviour would have a serious effect on her."

The former winger, who spent the entirety of his 25-year professional career at Old Trafford, was appointed Wales boss in 2018. During his time in charge he managed to steer his side to Euro 2020 qualification.

However, when he was charged last week it was announced that Robert Page would take charge at this summer's postponed European Championships.

In addition, Giggs was omitted from the Premier League's Hall of Fame inaugural inductions this month in the wake of the charges.

Giggs has maintained his innocence throughout proceedings and has said that he looks forward to clearing his name in court when the trial begins next month.