The BBC cameras will no doubt be on Ryan Giggs during Saturday’s FA Cup third round between Manchester City and Salford City.
The former Manchester United winger will be in the dugout away from Saturday’s game, assisting Salford manager Karl Robinson as the League Two outfit attempt to pull off a miracle upset.
But why will Giggs be on the touchline and why is his presence so controversial?
Despite co-owning fourth-tier Salford alongside his former ‘Class of ’92’ teammates, Giggs will act as one of manager Robinson’s first-team assistants on Saturday, a role he has held since October 2024.
Giggs initially stepped in for a game against Crewe Alexandra in October following the departure of manager Simon Wiles. With Salford’s other assistant Alex Bruce unavailable due to the tragic death of his nephew, Giggs stepped onto the touchline to help out.
However, despite Bruce returning to his role since then, Giggs has remained on the sidelines. The 51-year-old has featured for 17 Salford games, with just two defeats coming 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 would literally stand alone (against Crewe),” Giggs said The Athletic. “So I said, ‘Okay, I’ll come to the bench with you.’
“It’s just me and Karl, the physio, goalie coach and sports scientist. I enjoyed it. Karl enjoyed it. And we were saving a bit of money, not getting another coach.
“It came by chance, coming to the dugout… In a League Two team, saving every bit of salary helps: maybe we can get a better gym team, maybe a player on loan. Whether I stay. in the dugout, that it’s up to Karl, but at the moment I’m enjoying it.”
Giggs’ presence in the Salford dugout at the Etihad Stadium is highly controversial. The former Wales manager was arrested in October 2020 on suspicion of assaulting his former girlfriend, Kate Greville, and Giggs has denied all claims made against him.
He was accused of headbutting Greville as well as using controlling behavior, both physical and psychological, 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 an agreed verdict on the charges and he was formally acquitted in July 2023 after Greville decided not to testify again during the retrial. She said she felt “worn out” by the process and could not face the prospect of testifying in court again.
Charity Women’s Aid revealed its disappointment at Giggs’ return to the touchline. “(It is) disheartening to see how alleged perpetrators of abuse are seen returning to high positions of influence and power,” a statement said.
“Football is a global sport passionately followed by millions of boys and young men, many of whom look up to players, managers and managers as role models. Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to maintain the respect, equality and safety for women and children”.
