Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham is currently under the microscope of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following allegations that he used derogatory language towards Getafe player Mason Greenwood during a recent La Liga match. The incident, which has sparked considerable controversy, reportedly involved Bellingham calling Greenwood a "rapist" after a tackle near the touchline.
The match, which saw Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Getafe, was marred by the exchange between the two players. Although the pitch-side microphones failed to capture the exact words uttered by Bellingham, television footage led to widespread speculation and analysis, prompting La Liga to engage a lip-reading expert. The expert's assessment, which claims a 97% certainty in identifying the alleged remark, has intensified the scrutiny on Bellingham's conduct.
La Liga's protocol involves reporting notable incidents from matchdays to the RFEF for further investigation. The alleged exchange between Bellingham and Greenwood was flagged for review, alongside other reported incidents from the same game. "Numerous media outlets have reported on this incident, as evidenced in the attached incident report," highlighted the official report, indicating the widespread attention the incident has garnered.
Getafe, currently positioned in the mid-table of La Liga standings, responded to the incident by lodging a formal complaint with La Liga officials present at the match. The club has also requested that the match referee, Ricardo do Burgos Bengoetxea, document the alleged slur in his official match report. Should Bellingham be found guilty of the accusation, he faces the possibility of a suspension, although proving the allegation without clear audio evidence poses a significant challenge.
Complicating the situation, another incident from the same match is under investigation, involving alleged racist chants directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr by Getafe fans. La Liga's report on this matter detailed the intolerant chants heard during the game, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the league in addressing discriminatory behavior among fans.
Mason Greenwood's inclusion in the incident brings additional layers to the controversy. The former Manchester United player faced charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive behavior in January 2022, which were later dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses. Following an internal investigation by Manchester United, Greenwood was suspended and eventually sent on a season-long loan to Getafe. Greenwood's performance for Getafe has been notable, contributing to the team's campaign with goals and assists.
As the RFEF delves into the allegations against Bellingham and the broader issues highlighted by the match, the football community awaits clarity on the outcomes of these investigations. The incidents underscore the complexities and sensitivities involved in player conduct and fan behavior, emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability within the sport.
