The Spanish soccer league, La Liga, has been experiencing controversy after the match between Getafe and Real Madrid on Thursday, Feb. 1. During the second half of the game Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham allegedly called Getafe loanee Mason Greenwood a rapist after Bellingham tackled Greenwood.
La Liga is currently investigating the allegation and have reported the incident to the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) competition committee. If found to be true Bellingham will be suspended from the club for 90 days.
After Getafe complained about the confrontation, La Liga has hired a professional lip reader and released this statement
“Getafe yesterday transferred the complaint to the La Liga match director and La Liga, as it always does on these occasions, has requested an expert report on lip reading to investigate the matter and act on the basis of what can be proven beyond doubt (by the lip reader).”
As of now neither Bellingham or Greenwood has commented on the matter. The reason behind Bellingham’s alleged comment most plausible stems from Greenwood’s past history.
Greenwood formerly played for Manchester United. He started at their club at the age of six and worked his way up the academy from there. He debuted on the Manchester United team during the 2018-2019 season. Greenwood has been playing for Manchester United since then until Jan. 30, 2022. He was arrested for allegations of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control and was suspended from the club.
In Feb. 2023 the charges were dropped due to new evidence and the withdrawal of a key witness. After the official charges were dropped United began their own investigation into the event and while they found no evidence to drop his contract they decided it was best for the league if Greenwood continued his career elsewhere. This was due to the public backlash of Greenwood joining the Premier League club again.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United,” a club statement said. “It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
Greenwood then joined La Liga’s Getafe to continue his soccer career at the professional level.
“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United,” Greenwood said. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
