Marcus Rashford releases cryptic statement before Man Utd clash to issue firm denial
WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the latest sport headlines on January 16
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has issued a statement after being informed that a tabloid plans to publish a photo of him with a rapper, reportedly identified as TEN, who was jailed for murder.
The footballer took to social media on Thursday evening to address the situation, just hours before United's Premier League match against Southampton.
The photo in question was allegedly taken over a year ago and had not been published as of 7pm on Thursday.
Jake Fahri, known as rapper TEN, was jailed for life in 2009 with a minimum term of 14 years for the murder of Jimmy Mizen.
Marcus Rashford has been left out of United's match against Southampton
Reuters
Fahri, who was 19 at the time, killed 16-year-old Mizen in a south London bakery by throwing an oven dish that shattered and severed blood vessels in the victim's neck.
The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into Fahri after it emerged he appeared to reference Mizen's death in his music.
In his statement, Rashford said: "I want to make it clear I have never seen this photo, I do not know this person, and I am not friends with him."
The England international explained his approach to fan photos, stating: "Like most footballers if someone asks for a photo with me, I will never refuse but I am obviously not able to do a background check on every individual that asks me for a photo."
Rashford urged tabloids to redirect their focus towards more pressing issues, particularly knife crime awareness.
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"Can I please urge the tabloids rather than focusing on me, to use their platforms to help raise positive awareness on the many charities and individuals that work daily throughout the UK to tackle knife crime to prevent more families suffering tragic loss," he stated.
The Manchester United forward concluded his statement by expressing: "My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Jimmy Mizen."
Rashford was not named in Manchester United's squad for Thursday evening's Premier League match against Southampton.
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Marcus Rashford took to Instagram to deny knowing the rapper
The 27-year-old forward hasn't featured for United since his Europa League appearance against Viktoria Plzen last month.
After being left out of four consecutive matchday squads, he briefly returned against Newcastle United.
He has since missed United's fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal amid intense transfer speculation, with AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund reportedly interested in signing him.
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