Getafe condemn ‘derogatory and intolerant chants’ towards them after Mason Greenwood is targeted again during Athletic Bilbao clash
- LaLiga is set to investigate the incident after opening same process at Osasuna
- The club stated they ‘are against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance’
- Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here
Getafe have condemned ‘derogatory and intolerant’ chants aimed at them by opposition fans this season after they signed Mason Greenwood on loan from Manchester United.
The 21-year-old striker made the move to LaLiga after it was mutually agreed that he would leave Old Trafford following an internal investigation.
Greenwood had charges of attempted rape and assault brought against him in January 2022, but in February the following year, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges after ‘the withdrawal of key witnesses’.
Getafe issued the statement over the chants, which the club claims have occurred repeatedly, following the 2-2 draw Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday evening, when Greenwood – who played the full 90 minutes – was targeted by Bilbao fans.
Osasuna supporters had aimed ‘Greenwood die’ chants at the Man United loanee when he made his Getafe debut earlier this month.
Getafe has issued a statement condemning chants targeting the club following the signing of Mason Greenwood
The former Manchester United player was the focus of chants calling for him to ‘die’ in clashes versus Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao
Your browser does not support iframes.
LaLiga and Spain’s football federation could potentially sanction Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao over the chanting, with the actions of both sets of fans being assessed.
The club’s statement read: ‘Getafe CF wants to express total disapproval of the derogatory and intolerant chants, especially serious insults, which have been occurring repeatedly during the LaLiga season and which damage the image and also the morale of our players and coaching staff.
‘Insulting chants, out of any civic context, aggravated with criticism that we respect as freedom of expression from a sporting point of view, but that we do not share when that critical current is attributed with derogatory epithets, insults and disrespect to the members of the staff and coaching staff of Getafe CF. Likewise, we ask for support, with their statements, among the participants that make up the passionate football world.
‘The players and coaches of Getafe CF, as top-level professionals, participate in this spectacle and are aware of the media impact of playing in the best league in the world. But, beyond that, they are people with feelings, who have family and friends who suffer with them and deserve respect.
‘All of this seriously damages the image of our club, the competition and the professionals who make it up.
‘Getafe CF has always been known for being a team that respects organisations, rivals and other members of the world of football. But, seeing the seriousness of the events, the time has come to raise our voice and defend the honour of our players and coaches.
Manager Jose Bordalas was handed a red card late on in Getafe’s 2-2 draw with Athletic Bilbao
‘Getafe CF are against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport.’
Wednesday night marked the first start for Greenwood since facing West Ham for Man United in January 2022, and the player provided an assist for the club’s opener.
The match itself was feisty as 11 players were booked from both teams, with Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet receiving his marching orders before the start of the second half.
Getafe’s manager Jose Bordalas himself was shown a late red card after an argument with opposition player Inaki Williams.
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.
It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify
Your browser does not support iframes.
Source: Read Full Article
