After Thursday’s match between Real Madrid and Getafe, Jude Bellingham was reported to La Liga for allegedly referring to Mason Greenwood as a “rapist.”
Getafe’s representatives asked for Bellingham’s reported statement to be noted in the referee’s report for the match, and have now filed an official complaint with La Liga.
The two athletes met on the field in the top Spanish league for the first time, with Bellingham’s team, Madrid, winning 2-0. Greenwood and Bellingham had multiple interactions during the game, and after Bellingham made a tackle on Greenwood, the midfielder was caught on camera mouthing what seemed to be the word “rapist.”
Fans watching the incident on TV noticed and some proposed that Bellingham may have said “rubbish.” It was confirmed by La Liga that a lip reader will be brought in to review the footage.
La Liga stated that Getafe has transferred their complaint to the match director and La Liga. In line with their usual protocol, La Liga has requested for a lip reading expert to conduct an investigation and take action based on concrete evidence.
In October 2022, Greenwood was accused by Greater Manchester police of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior, and assault. However, in February of 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges due to lack of evidence and cooperation from key witnesses. Greenwood maintained his innocence throughout the case.
Greenwood has been loaned to Getafe from Manchester United for the season, but it is speculated that he will not go back to the club and may pursue a permanent career in Spain.
Source: theguardian.com