Chants Directed at Mason Greenwood During Getafe Debut Reported to Spanish Authorities
During Mason Greenwood’s first game for Getafe, chants directed at him by the away supporters have been reported to the Spanish football federation and government for potential punishment. The incident occurred during Getafe’s home match against Osasuna on Sunday, which marked Greenwood’s debut for the club since joining on loan from Manchester United.
La Liga’s official match observer heard the chants of “Greenwood, die” from a section of the away support. A report from the league confirmed the incident and stated that it is among a list of cases that could result in disciplinary action. The report described the chants as follows: “In minute 77 of the game, about 100 visiting supporters, situated in the travelling fans section of the stand behind the north goal, sang in a coordinated way for approximately 12 seconds – ‘Greenwood die, Greenwood die, lololo, lololo, Greenwood die’, in reference to a home player, with home fans reacting with whistles with the intention of ending the song.”
The report has now been forwarded to the Spanish federation’s competition committee and the government’s anti-violence commission. These bodies have the authority to impose punishments, including fines or even partial stadium closures. In addition to the chants directed at Greenwood, Getafe fans were also denounced for seven different incidents, including offensive chants from their ultras group against Osasuna.
When asked about the chants, Osasuna coach Jagoba Arrasate expressed his disapproval, stating, “I heard lots of chants, and we have to talk about them all. The chants of ‘fuck Osasuna’ were very bad, and the chants against Greenwood were very bad too.”
The report also highlighted offensive chants during other matches, including Valencia vs Atletico Madrid, Barcelona vs Real Betis, and a Segunda Division game between Espanyol and Eldense. It is worth noting that similar chants are regularly heard in Spanish stadiums, with players like Vinicius Junior, Luis Rubiales, Antoine Griezmann, and Cristiano Ronaldo among those who have been targeted in the past.
In 2019, Atletico Madrid was fined €602 by the federation for chants of “Griezmann die” from their supporters after the French international left Atletico to join Barcelona.
The incident involving Greenwood highlights the ongoing issue of offensive chants in Spanish football stadiums. While steps have been taken to address this problem, it remains a persistent challenge. The Spanish authorities must continue to prioritize efforts to eradicate such behavior from the game.
Football should be a sport that unites people and promotes respect and fair play. Chants that incite violence or target individual players have no place in the game. It is essential for clubs, fans, and governing bodies to work together to create an environment that is inclusive, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
The incident involving Greenwood serves as a reminder that more needs to be done to educate fans about the consequences of their actions and to enforce stricter penalties for those who engage in offensive behavior. By taking a firm stance against such chants, Spanish football can send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
As Greenwood continues his loan spell at Getafe, it is crucial for the club and its supporters to support him and ensure that he feels welcome and valued. Football should be an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and enjoy the game they love, free from harassment or abuse.
In conclusion, the chants directed at Mason Greenwood during his debut for Getafe have been reported to the Spanish authorities for potential punishment. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of offensive chants in Spanish football stadiums and the need for stricter measures to address this problem. It is essential for clubs, fans, and governing bodies to work together to create a respectful and inclusive environment in football.