BBC cameras will no doubt be filming Ryan Giggs during Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash between Manchester City and Salford City.
The former Manchester United winger will be away for the game on Saturday, assisting Salford manager Karl Robinson as the League Two side attempt to pull off a miraculous turnaround.
But why will Giggs be on the touchline and why is his presence so controversial?
Despite co-owning fourth-tier side Salford alongside his former ‘Class of ’92’ colleagues, Giggs will act as one of Robinson’s first-team assistant managers on Saturday – a position he has held since October 2024.
Giggs initially stepped in for the match against Crewe Alexandra in October following the departure of manager Simon Wiles. With Salford’s second assistant, Alex Bruce, unavailable due to the tragic death of his nephew, Giggs took help on the touchline.
However, despite Bruce having since returned to his role, Giggs has remained on the sidelines. The 51-year-old has featured in 17 Salford games, with just two defeats in that time, and will be on familiar ground as he travels with the squad to Man City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
“Karl should literally have been left to his own devices [vs Crewe]Giggs said The Athletic. “So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll come to the bench with you.’
“It was just me and Karl, the physio, the goalkeeping coach and the sports scientist. I enjoyed it. Karl enjoyed it. And we saved a little money and didn’t get another coach.
“It came by chance, coming into the game… In a League Two team, saving every salary helps: we can get maybe better equipment for the gym, maybe we can get a player on loan. Whether I stay in the dugout depends on Karl, but at the moment I’m enjoying it .”
The presence of Giggs in the Salford dugout at the Etihad Stadium is highly controversial. The former Wales manager was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville in October 2020 and Giggs has denied all allegations against him.
He is accused of headbutting Greville, as well as controlling her, physically and mentally, during their relationship. Giggs was also accused of assaulting Greville’s sister Emma, which he also denied.
The jury at Giggs’ first trial failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the charges and he was officially acquitted in July 2023 after Greville decided not to testify at the retrial. She said she felt “worn out” by the process and could not face the prospect of testifying in court again.
The charity Women’s Aid has revealed its disappointment with Giggs’ return to the game. “[It’s] It is disheartening to see alleged perpetrators of abuse being considered for their return to high positions of influence and power,” the statement said.
“Soccer is a global sport passionately followed by millions of young boys and men, many of whom look up to players, managers and directors as role models. Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to uphold respect, equality and safety for women and children.”
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