04 February 2024 , 12:30
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Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has described Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood as "a great guy" who shows "exemplary behaviour."
Greenwood, 22, has been in the headlines this week after England star Jude Bellingham was accused of calling him a 'rapist' after making a crunching tackle on him during Getafe's 2-0 defeat at home to Real Madrid on Thursday. In February 2023, Greenwood had charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
An expert lip-reader believes that Bellingham did indeed make the slur at Greenwood, who's also had chants involving the word 'die' aimed towards him this season by various groups of opposition supporters. La Liga have now launched an investigation after Getafe complained and boss Bordalas has defended the forward, who'll remain with the Spanish club until the end of this season.
"I know the same thing that you know," Bordalos told a press conference. "It's not up to me, it's the club, La Liga and the (Spanish Football) Federation (RFEF) that have to make an assessment about it. The only thing that I can say is that I ask for respect for Mason Greenwood because he is a great guy. He is a man who respects everyone and has exemplary behaviour."
After Bellingham's alleged slur had gone viral on social media, Getafe - who are also based in Madrid - asked referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea to note the allegation in his match report. The 20-year-old, who cost Real £88million to sign from Borussia Dortmund and is expected to be one of England's most important players at the European Championships this summer, could be subject to a disciplinary case led by the RFEF.
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Bellingham will next be in action at 8pm on Sunday when Real host rivals Atletico Madrid in their local derby. Getafe will also play on Sunday, as Greenwood and his team-mates travel to face Real Betis. The United academy graduate has scored four goals and provided four assists across 18 La Liga appearances this season, prompting speculation over a big-money transfer move.
Barcelona are reportedly interested alongside Valencia and Real Sociedad. Greenwood's move to Getafe was shrouded in controversy, with United deciding that he'd continue his career away from Old Trafford amid protests from supporters regarding his potential return.
Jude Bellingham is alleged to have called Mason Greenwood a 'rapist' after this tackle (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)Bordalas and his colleagues "bet on him," though, as the Getafe manager told Marca in December: "Greenwood is a different player, with a lot of talent but in this football talent is not the main thing. It takes more work than talent. We were confident because of the talent, because of the level he has had.
"Being able to opt for a player of this level at Getafe is complicated, almost impossible. And well, given the situation, we bet on him. We are happy and content because we have a great player, he is a good boy, he has fitted in really well and he just needs to learn a little more Spanish."