March 07, (THEWILL)- In a high-profile case involving two young English stars, the Spanish Competition Committee has ruled that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether Jude Bellingham called Mason Greenwood a “rapist” or “rubbish” during a La Liga match on February 1. The alleged incident occurred when Bellingham’s Real Madrid faced Greenwood’s loan club, Getafe.
The 20-year-old Bellingham, who joined Real from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, for a British record £115m fee, was accused by Getafe of directing an insult at Greenwood, related to the latter’s previous legal troubles in England over allegations of violence against his girlfriend. Although Greenwood was ultimately cleared of charges, the case disrupted his career at Manchester United.
In its investigation, La Liga requested expert lip-reading analysis of footage from the match. However, the Competition Committee concluded that the video evidence was inconclusive, as to whether Bellingham used the term “rapist” or simply “rubbish” towards his fellow England international, Greenwood.
With no definitive proof either way, the case against Bellingham has been dismissed. Both players have experienced tumultuous periods in their young careers – Bellingham making a high-profile move to Madrid, while Greenwood is attempting to rebuild after his arrest and charges in 2022, led to his exile from Manchester United.
The incident highlighted sensitivities around the 22-year-old’s case, as well as putting the spotlight on football’s responsibility in addressing serious societal issues like gender-based violence. As two of England’s brightest talents, Bellingham and Greenwood’s paths will remain intertwined as they continue their careers in the unforgiving glare of the Spanish spotlight.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
