15 February 2024 , 09:25
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Getafe’s decision to try and punish Jude Bellingham for allegedly calling Mason Greenwood a “rapist” has reportedly taken authorities by surprise.
The Spanish side complained to La Liga after alleging that Bellingham had abused Greenwood during a 2-0 win for Real Madrid on February 1. The two were involved in a clash near the touchline and television cameras showed Bellingham saying something to the on-loan Manchester United forward.
It was unclear what the England midfielder had said and it was missed by the referee on-field, but after the game Getafe pushed for it to be included in the report. RFEF Competition Committee has now received a report, which includes the opinion of an expert lip reader, and are considering the next steps.
Bellingham could be banned for four matches if he’s found guilty and Marca report that Getafe's decision took Real and La Liga by surprise. RFEF were reportedly surprised to have to deal with the complaint because it breaks an unwritten rule between clubs.
Teams never usually pursue grievances that don’t make the referee’s report and La Liga officials reportedly think this instance could set a precedent. Real are concerned that it might lead to 'several complaints per day' and change the way the system works.
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A judge will be appointed to consider the evidence and a decision is expected in around two weeks as to whether to sanction Bellingham or dismiss the case. The 20-year-old is currently out injured having picked up a sprained ankle in the 4-0 win over Girona on Saturday.
Greenwood joined Getafe on loan in the summer after United decided he could no longer continue his career with the club. The 22-year-old striker was arrested in October 2022 and was subsequently charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Those charges were later dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The incident happened in a 2-0 win for Real Madrid at Getafe on February 1 (PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)An expert lip reader told Mirror Football he was confident Bellingham did call Greenwood a “rapist”. Jeremy Freeman said: "Upon a forensic examination of the provided clip, I am very confident that the word articulated is 'rapist'. This conclusion is strongly influenced by the specific context in which the word was used.
"The lip movements distinctly form the sounds corresponding to 'R' and 'P', concluding with an abrupt stop, which aligns with the word in question. The speaker's accent, which appears to be distinctly Brummie, has also been taken into consideration in making this determination. Considering the visual evidence and the lack of any other word fitting the observed lip patterns and context, I am confident in this assessment."
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