FORMER Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs is to face a retrial over allegations he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, a judge has ruled.

The judge set a new trial date of July 31 next year at a short hearing yesterday at Manchester Crown Court.

Jurors had failed to reach verdicts following more than 20 hours of deliberations in his four-week trial.

Mr Giggs, 48, also denied controlling or coercive behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38.

He also denied “losing control” and head-butting her and assaulting Ms Greville’s sister, Emma, 26, by elbowing her in the jaw during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on November 1, 2020.

Giggs will now go on trial for a second time, facing the same charges, after the jury in the first trial was discharged last week.

In a statement issued following the decision, Mr Giggs said he was “obviously disappointed that a retrial has been ordered”.

“My not guilty plea remains in relation to all charges. I am confident that justice will eventually be done and my name will be cleared of all the allegations,” said Mr Giggs, who was not required to attend the hearing.

“I would like to thank my legal team, my mum, my children, my girlfriend Zara, as well as my closest friends, for their support throughout this period.

“I understand the level of interest and the scrutiny around this case, but I would like to ask that my and my family’s privacy be respected in the weeks and months ahead.”

During yesterday’s hearing, Peter Wright QC, prosecuting, told Judge Hilary Manley: “We do seek a retrial in respect of Mr Giggs.

“The matter has been considered at a senior level within the Crown Prosecution Service and also the willingness of the complainant to give evidence – although that is not determinative on the matter – has also been canvassed.

“They indicate a preparedness so to do.”

Judge Manley approved a retrial and told Mr Giggs’ lawyers in court that his bail would be extended until the trial next year.

It means Mr Giggs will have been on bail for more than two and a half years before his case goes to trial again, following a pre-trial hearing scheduled for July 3 .He quit as Wales’ manager in June. (BBC Sport)