Sampdoria need a striker, but fans don't want a convicted one

Mason Greenwood, Benjamin Mendy, Antony, Dani Alves, Santi Mina….the list will probably go on, but for now, these are the footballers connected with domestic violence and rape. Greenwood was pronounced innocent but he could never continue his career at Manchester United, and he is currently on loan in Getafe. Mendy was also pronounced not guilty (unlike Greenwood he was trialed) and is now back in France playing for Lorient. One of the best Brazilian full back Dani Alves is awaiting a trail on charges of rape in Spain and is in jail for months now. For sure his career is over, and so is Santi Mina’s, if he fails in his appeals. And unlike other supporters, who were usually OK with players joining their clubs even with such a ‘baggage’, Sampdoria fans didn’t want to make any compromises and urged the owner to stop the Mina transfer.

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To be fair, Lorient and Getafe fans can embrace Greenwood and Mendy since they were proclaimed innocent by the law, while Santi Mina is convicted of sexual abuse and sentenced to four years in prison. The only reason why is he still a free man and not a prisoner is his appeal to the Supreme court. His appeal to Supreme Court of Andalucía was rejected, so this is his last chance to avoid prison time. He agreed a deal with former Serie A champions Sampdoria, who desperately need a proper forward, since they got relegated to Serie B, but the supporters raised their voices against Mina.

After Greenwood, Antony is the next one accused of domestic violence

One of the critical voices that has spoken out on the matter has been Christian Tuttino, son of Paolo, a historical Samp player in the 70s:

"I have never criticized the board for a purchase, especially without seeing it on the field. But signing a player already convicted of one of the worst crimes a man can commit, even if it is pending appeal, seems like a big mistake to me" he said, and the vast majority of fans agreed. In the end, the club listened to it’s fanbase and decided not to sign a player.

Five days ago, he was still accused of rape. Today, he has a new club

His boyhood club Celta Vigo also released the player upon the sentence, even thou he had one year on his contract, after coming back from a loan in Al Shabab.

“This decision, which has the strong support of LaLiga, undoubtedly endorses the initial position of the club. From day one, RC Celta stressed that the values ​​of the club are above all else and that the club would defend it to the last consequences, including the repercussions it could have on sports planning. RC Celta is a centenary club born from an act of exemplary generosity and throughout its history it has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to society and the defense of values ​​that are already hallmarks of the club on countless occasions” said the club in a statement.