Ryan Giggs, who is the Premier League’s most decorated player, will have to sit by and watch other legends of the English game make the cut for the 23-man Hall of Fame shortlist.
Why is this and what are the reasons for him being excluded ahead of others who have barely achieved what he has in his time at Manchester United and under Sir Alex Ferguson?
Early in the week, the Premier League publicised their first two Hall of Famers; strikers, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.
Following the induction of the duo, the PL released a 23-man shortlist of nominations for the next six candidates. Sadly, this account did not have Ryan Giggs accounted for.
To many’s disbelieve, it came as a surprise to know that the Manchester United winger would not be added at all, even at a later stage.
Well, that’s for now with the player out on bail following some serious allegations.
In November 2020, it came to the public’s knowledge that Ryan Giggs will appear in court on Wednesday for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, in Manchester.
This then turned into a double charge of assault and controlling or coercive behaviour, as per reports.
The ex-footballer has already taken a backseat in his Wales managerial post – missing a number of international fixtures since he was served the court order.
This is the main and only reason the ex-Manchester United footballer was denied a spot in the Premier League Hall of Fame
With him currently waiting for his trial in the Manchester magistrates, there is just no way the Premier League can risk giving him the prestigious honour.
The Mirror’s John Cross reported Giggs was supposed to be named alongside Shearer as the first two inductees.
This is where the Frenchman and Arsenal legend, Henry, was preferred ahead of him and stole his spot. The tabloid went on in suggesting that the Manchester man was left shocked by his exclusion.
John Cross in his report stated:
More from Manchester United
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
- Manchester United predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League 2023/24
- 3 reasons why other clubs are ‘annoyed’ by Erik ten Hag and Manchester United
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag’s constant “crybaby” excuses don’t add up
"Ryan Giggs has been left shocked after being snubbed by the Premier League’s Hall of Fame. Manchester United legend Giggs was dropped at the last minute after being charged with assaulting two women. Giggs, 47, who won 13 league titles, was due to be one of the first players to be inducted alongside the Premier League’s 260 goal record scorer Alan Shearer. But it can be revealed that another all-time great, Thierry Henry, replaced Giggs and was announced on Monday with Shearer as the first two players to be invited into the Hall of Fame. (Via: The Mirror)"
Why would Ryan Giggs be outraged by his omission?
Well, he is the league’s most decorated player thanks to his heavy involvement in Man United’s most successful period as a football club.
In his time as a player, a career that spans 23-years long, he brought home many pieces of silverware for the Manchester club.
The then potent winger brought home 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, 2 Champions League gold medals, 1 Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental Cup, and 1 FIFA Club.
His professional footballing career started when he was a young lad at 17. He then went on to retire after all of his mates from the famous “Class of 92” at the age of 40.
Simply put… He was an overly productive winger who had a prolonged footballing career and really overachieved.
Conclusion on the Giggs PL Hall of Fame snub – Was it right or is it wrong?
Judging by his numbers and accolades, individual and team awards, he should no doubt be included in the 23-man squad.
Hell, there is no denying he should have been one of the first two names enlisted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame.
However, violence against women cannot be tolerated anymore in this day and age. We are long overdue in fighting violence against women.
To have him included while awaiting trial for assault and controlling or coercive behaviour would just send the wrong message. Imagine they added him and he was later found guilty of all charges?
The women of the world would be totally provoked. It’s a sad truth that this world-renowned ex-footballer is enduring such a difficult time.
On a lighter note: The voting stations are open for the public to vote and there are (at the time of writing this) 11 days and 6 hours left for you to vote for your favourite player/hero of the past.