March 1 – La Liga President Javier Tebas has leapt to the defence of disgraced England forward Mason Greenwood, revealing he hopes the Manchester United loanee stays in Spanish football when his current spell with Getafe is over.
Greenwood’s move to Getafe on the deadline day in September marked a shift in Manchester United’s initial plan to retain the striker. The decision followed an internal investigation into his conduct, which was initiated after the collapse of a legal case against him for domestic violence.
It is understood that Man Utd were under significant pressure from their supporter groups to move the striker on with immediate effect.
Greenwood has seven goals and five assists in 25 appearances for Getafe this season in all competitions, marking an impressive return to action.
Speaking to reporters after he had addressed the Financial Times Business of Football Conference in London, Tebas referenced his legal background to state he had no interest in judging Greenwood, although he claimed the 22-year-old had been found “innocent” rather than the charges being dropped.
“I am a lawyer,” Tebas said. “If someone came out of a legal case innocent there is nothing else to say.
“He is doing really well as a player and I hope he continues to stay in Spanish football. That is good for us.”
When pressed further on the matter, Tebas said if a player had “not been condemned” it was not for La Liga to put him on trial.
“You should respect legal process,” he said. “People might be condemning him in the press but you have to respect the legal decision. There is nothing else to talk about.”
The case was thrust back into the media spotlight after an investigation was launched by Getafe into comments made by fellow Englishman Jude Bellingham during the LaLiga clash with Real Madrid in February.
The incident came after England international Bellingham tackled Greenwood during Real’s 2-0 win and a clip of the incident then went viral on social media, where Bellingham appeared to have reminded the player as to why he was exiled from the Premier League.
Despite Getafe’s insistence to get to get to the bottom of it, Greenwood is reportedly eager to drop the issue – likely to avoid even more negative attention in the English press.
Tebas was also quick to praise Bellingham and his impact on La Liga. “He is not one of the best English players, he is the best English player at the moment,” said Tebas.
“It is very important to have the best players in the world playing in La Liga. He brings value to the competition.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714807313labto1714807313ofdlr1714807313owedi1714807313sni@g1714807313niwe.1714807313yrrah1714807313