Jude Bellingham and Mason Greenwood have stirred up an unexpected controversy in La Liga, as Getafe challenges Real Madrid over an incident deemed to breach an unwritten code.
During a Spanish top-flight match on February 1, Real Madrid’s Bellingham and Greenwood, both England internationals, engaged in a fierce duel.
After a particularly intense challenge, Bellingham was captured on camera mouthing something towards his fellow countryman.
Getafe promptly reported the incident to La Liga, urging it to be documented in the match referee’s report.
Lip-readers have since been enlisted to decipher Bellingham’s words amid speculation about whether he uttered “rapist” or “rubbish,” potentially leading to a four-match suspension for the 20-year-old.
According to Marca, Bellingham will not learn his fate until March, sparking curiosity and debate in Spain.
There exists an unwritten agreement in La Liga where clubs tacitly agree not to pursue actions on incidents unnoticed by match officials; what happens on the field stays on the field.
Greenwood, currently on loan at Getafe from Manchester United, is reportedly eager to put the matter behind them.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is reportedly taken aback by Getafe’s deviation from this tradition, opening up a disciplinary process rarely explored.
The Spanish FA will now determine if further action is warranted, as clubs across La Liga closely monitor the situation.