Ryan Giggs was reportedly due to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside Alan Shearer before being overlooked following domestic abuse charges. According to The Telegraph, the former Manchester United winger, who scored in every Premier League season and won the title more times than any other player, was among the inaugural inductees planned.
The process was delayed by the Covid pandemic and, by the time it resumed, Giggs was facing legal proceedings. Thierry Henry was instead inducted alongside Shearer. Giggs was found not guilty of coercive or controlling behaviour in July 2023 after his ex-girlfriend declined to give evidence in a retrial. He had always denied the charges and said he was "deeply relieved" at the outcome.
Some have pointed to double standards, noting that individuals with previous convictions or bans have been inducted. Eric Cantona was convicted over assault, Tony Adams was jailed for drink-driving, John Terry was banned for four matches for racism, and Rio Ferdinand was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test. All are in the Hall of Fame.
Giggs has previously played down his omission, telling the Daily Mail: "It's not something that I really think about. It's been brought up a couple of times, and only then do I think about it. It isn't something you start in football to be in."
Hall of Fame inductees are chosen through a public vote, a shortlist selected by a panel and final decisions made by existing members. Recent additions include Eden Hazard and Gary Neville. The Premier League said the shortlist is selected at its discretion in consultation with its awards panel, with factors such as eras, positions and achievements considered. New players become eligible upon retirement.
