Getafe boss José Bordalás slams officials’ reaction to Mason Greenwood abuse | OneFootball

Getafe boss José Bordalás has spoken out on the treatment that Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, has received in Spanish football stadiums this year.

The Englishman was acquitted of charges of domestic abuse and attempted rape in February 2023 but he has not represented the English club since being suspended in 2022.

It seemed that the player was close to making a return to action for the Red Devils in August last year but after a massive public outcry, the decision makers at Old Trafford made an embarrassing U-turn and kicked the problem into the long grass by sending him out on loan to Getafe in Spain.

The 22 year old has adapted well to one of the toughest leagues in the world, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists so far this season.

His superb form has seen him linked to a host of clubs across Spain, Italy and even back in England. Whilst it is likely United will sell or loan him out next year, INEOS have still not ruled out completely the player returning to the fold.

Despite the reaction being tepid compared to what he would have likely faced in England, the forward has still had his fair share of abuse thrown at him from Spanish crowds and even on the pitch.

Back in January, the player was subject to chants against him in Osasuna and Jude Bellingham allegedly called him a “r—-t” during Getafe’s match against Real Madrid. However, the case against the England midfielder was later dropped.

The striker once again faced abusive chants against Alaves on Saturday.

The Mirror report that “referee Jorge Figueroa Vazquez blew his whistle in the 18th minute amid chants of ‘Greenwood, die’ from the home section and while play was paused, the Alaves’ stadium announcer pleaded with fans to stop. The chanting then reduced following the warning.”

“It’s understood that some staff members from Getafe continued to take issue with what was being said towards their 22-year-old loanee throughout the remainder of the game. Club officials are yet to reveal whether or not they plan to lodge a formal complaint to La Liga.”

His coach did however speak out against the officials’ reactions whilst conducting his post-match interview with DAZN.

Bordalás claimed, “an important detail, they’ve [Alaves fans] sung ‘Greenwood die’ and the protocol says that, because I’ve read it obviously, when it happens a second time, you have to stop the game and go to the changing room.”

The Spanish boss then slammed the referee’s lack of consistency and argued things will never change while the current approach is taken.

“They didn’t do it [leave the pitch] and I think the referees should have done it. If they are the first who don’t follow the protocol, we are never going to finish with this. The insults, the racism that angers us all.” [Our own translation.]

This is not the first time that the coach has had to come out and defend his player over the issue of abusive chants.

Last month he claimed, “the boy has had exemplary behaviour. His team-mates help him. I am sure [chanting] affects him.”

Wherever Greenwood plays his football next season, the abuse is showing no signs of ending.

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