Ryan Giggs was spotted attending Salford’s League Two clash with Carlisle on Saturday afternoon while Wales were preparing for their opening game of the World Cup in Qatar.
Giggs – who is facing a retrial for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend – was pictured watching Salford lose 4-1 to Carlisle alongside Nicky Butt at the Peninsula Stadium.
Meanwhile, Robert Page’s Wales squad have been undergoing training sessions in Qatar as they prepare for their opening game of the 2022 World Cup against the USA tomorrow.
Ryan Giggs was spotted attending Salford’s League Two clash with Carlisle on Saturday
Giggs – who is part of the ‘Class of 92’ ownership group at Salford City – was also pictured alongside his new model girlfriend Zara Charles on Saturday.
The pair were seen sitting together in the stands at the Peninsula Stadium – just over a month after a retrial was ordered over allegations of domestic abuse against Giggs’ ex-girlfriend Kate Greville.
Giggs stepped down from his role as the Wales manager in June 2022 after being accused of allegedly headbutting his ex-girlfriend, Greville, 38, in November 2020.
Giggs strenuously denied the charges but decided to vacate his role for the good of the team as he did not want the ‘judicial process’ to ‘affect’ them heading into the World Cup.
The 48-year-old was pictured watching Salford lose 4-1 to Carlisle at the Peninsula Stadium
Giggs was also pictured alongside his new model girlfriend Zara Charles on Saturday
Giggs released a statement at the time, saying: ‘After much consideration, I am standing down from my position as manager of the Wales men’s national team with immediate effect.
‘It has been an honour and a privilege to manage my country, but it is only right that the Wales FA, the coaching staff and the players prepare for the tournament with certainty, clarification and without speculation around the position of their head coach.
‘As has been well publicised, I have pleaded not guilty to the criminal accusations being heard at Manchester Crown Court.
‘Whilst I am confident in our judicial process, I had hoped that the case would have been heard earlier to enable me to resume my managerial responsibilities.
‘Through nobody’s fault the case has been delayed. I do not want the country’s preparations for the World Cup to be affected, destabilised or jeopardised in any way by the continued interest around this case.
The former Man United player is part of the ‘Class of 92’ ownership group at Salford City
‘I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed some unforgettable moments during my three years in charge of the national team. I am proud of my record and will cherish those special times forever.
‘It has been a pleasure to work with such well-established, senior professionals, and it has given me immense pride to watch so many young players progress into the national squad and flourish in the proud red colours of our country.
‘I am touched and grateful to our passionate supporters for following us all over the world. To see nearly 3,000 of our loyal, travelling fans in Baku for the European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan made me appreciate the sacrifices people make to watch our nation play.
Meanwhile, Wales are preparing for their opening game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
‘I am sad that we cannot continue this journey together because I believe that this extraordinary group will make the country proud at our first World Cup since 1958.
‘I would like to thank the chief executive Noel Mooney, his predecessor Jonathan Ford, the board of the FAW, plus the many people behind the scenes who work tirelessly to help our national team and for the support they have given me during this difficult time in my personal life.
‘It is my intention to resume my managerial career at a later date and I look forward to watching our national team alongside you in the stands.
‘Finally, I would like to wish the players, the staff and the supporters at the FAW every success at the World Cup and in the future. Thank you and best wishes. Ryan’.
The former Manchester United and Wales star will have to stand trial again next year – facing charges of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.
Former Manchester United footballer Giggs pictured at Manchester Crown Court on August 31
Giggs stepped down from his role as the Wales manager in June 2022 after being accused of allegedly headbutting his ex-girlfriend, Greville, 38, in November 2020
The retrial decision came after the Crown Prosecution Service decided it would pursue a prosecution against Giggs after a jury failed to reach a verdict following a three-week trial.
The 48-year-old is accused of assaulting Greville and her 26-year-old sister Emma amid a booze-fuelled argument at Giggs’ multi-million pound home in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
He also stands accused of coercive and controlling behaviour towards PR executive Greville over three years – charges which he denies.
Following the news of the retrial, Giggs said: ‘I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations.’
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