In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche has spoken about the club's handling of the Mason Greenwood situation.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2023 on suspicion of rape, assault, and threats to kill. He was released on bail pending further investigation, but has not played for United since then.

Roche said that the club had conducted a "really detailed and thorough internal investigation" into the allegations against Greenwood.

"We've asked as many people as we can around what happened and try to understand it beyond the original investigation done by the police," she said.

"We've also spoken to Mason and his representatives. We've taken all of that information into account and we've made a decision that he will not be part of the club for the foreseeable future."

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Roche said that the club's decision was not taken lightly.

"We understand that this is a very sensitive issue and we want to make sure that we do the right thing," she said.

"We have a responsibility to our fans, our staff, and our community to make sure that we create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We believe that this decision is in the best interests of the club."

Roche also said that the club would continue to support Greenwood's victim.

"We are committed to providing support to the victim of these allegations," she said.

"We have a team of professionals who are available to offer help and advice. We want to make sure that she is getting the support she needs."

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Roche's comments come after a number of high-profile cases of domestic violence in football in recent years.

In 2020, former England international Adam Johnson was jailed for six years for sexual activity with a minor. And in 2021, former Manchester City player Ched Evans was released from prison after serving two years for rape.

Roche said that the club was taking the issue of domestic violence very seriously.

"We have a zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence," she said.

"We want to make sure that our players and staff are aware of the dangers of domestic violence and that they know where to get help if they need it."

Roche's comments have been welcomed by fans and anti-domestic violence campaigners.

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"It's important that football clubs take a stand against domestic violence," said Katie Russell, from the charity Women's Aid.

"Collette Roche's comments are a step in the right direction and we hope that other clubs will follow suit."

The decision to release Greenwood has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some have praised the club for taking a stand against domestic violence, while others have expressed disappointment that Greenwood's career has been effectively ended.

Only time will tell how the Greenwood situation will play out. But one thing is for sure: it has raised important questions about the role of football clubs in tackling domestic violence.