Ryan Giggs is SNUBBED by the Premier League and kept off their Hall of Fame shortlist again – despite the 13-time title winner being cleared of domestic violence charges
Ryan Giggs has again been snubbed by the Premier League as they announced their latest Hall of Fame shortlist.
The Manchester United legend – who holds the record for most assists in Premier League history and won the title on 13 occasions – has again been left out of the running despite being cleared of domestic violence charges last year.
Giggs, 50, was facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over an alleged headbutt on ex-girlfriend Kate Greville plus further counts of coercive or controlling behaviour against her and common assault against her sister Emma.
But in a ten-minute court hearing last July, the prosecution offered no evidence and not guilty verdicts were given in respect of his charges.
While Giggs was left out again by the Premier League, six of his former Manchester United team-mates have made the 15-man shortlist.
Ryan Giggs has been left out of the Premier League’s Hall of Fame shortlist once again despite being cleared of domestic violence charges last year
Giggs is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s all-time great players, winning the title 13 times and leading the all-time assist charts after a legendary spell at Old Trafford
The Premier League’s latest Hall of Fame shortlist includes 12 previous nominees
John Terry (L) and Michael Owen (R) are in the running for a fourth consecutive time
Those include fellow 1999 Treble winners Gary Neville and Andy Cole, as well as Michael Owen, Michael Carrick, Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic.
Former Liverpool striker Owen and John Terry are in the running to make the Hall of Fame for a fourth time, while there are three new entrants.
Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and David Silva all appear on the shortlist for the first time, as they became eligible following their retirements from playing.
Spanish midfielder Fabregas finished his career as the second-highest assist maker, creating 111 goals in 350 games.
Eden Hazard was the only player to register 50+ goals and 50+ assists during his seven-year stint in the Premier League, and both he and Fabregas won two Premier League titles.
Silva meanwhile won four league titles during his legendary stint at Manchester City.
A host of strikers are included, with Jermain Defoe, Les Ferdinand and Robbie Fowler in the running.
The shortlist is concluded by Arsenal Invincible Sol Campbell and former Man City star Yaya Toure.
A host of former Manchester United players are on the shortlist, including Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic
In total six of Giggs’ former Manchester United team-mates have made the shortlist
David Silva (right) is a new inclusion on the shortlist, while Yaya Toure (left) returns
Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard are other new inclusions following their recent retirements from the game
Ashley Cole was earlier confirmed as the first 2024 inductee into the Hall of Fame
It was earlier announced on Monday that former Arsenal and Chelsea title winner Ashley Cole had been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
‘I’m honoured to join the Premier League Hall of Fame.’ Cole said. ‘It’s humbling and fulfilling to be rewarded at the end of your career.
‘I went through my career just trying to give my best and be good enough. You take it day-by-day and game-by-game. As a young kid, you never dream of any of this and you just do it for the love of the game of football.
‘I played for some fantastic clubs with incredible fans. Winning trophies with my boyhood club Arsenal and with Chelsea are amazing memories that will always be with me.
‘It’s emotional to reflect because a lot of hard work has been put in. To join the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Rio Ferdinand, I’m privileged to be in their company.’
The Hall of Fame launched in 2021, with inaugural inductees: David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer.
Last year, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson became the first managers to be inducted.
Giggs had originally been due to be included in the initial Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021, only to be snubbed amid his charges.
The Welshman was said to be ‘shocked’ about his snub at the time.
Giggs’ 13 Premier League title triumphs is more than any other player in the competition’s history.
He made 672 appearances in England’s top flight for United, with only Gareth Barry and James Milner picking up more Premier League appearances.
The Premier League has invited fans to select two players from the shortlist to vote to make the Hall of Fame.
Fans can vote on the Premier League’s official website or via the Premier League app. Voting is open until midday on Monday, April 8, with the next two inductees to be announced on April 22.
