The recent decision by the Spanish Football Association to overturn Mason Greenwood’s potential four-match ban while playing for Getafe has drawn attention. Greenwood, who is on loan from Manchester United, was given a red card in Getafe’s recent match against Rayo Vallecano, reportedly due to dissent and using inappropriate language directed towards the referee.
After Getafe lodged an appeal, the Spanish FA intervened, stating that Greenwood’s remarks were in reference to fouls committed against him, not aimed directly at the referee. They clarified that their role wasn’t to officiate matches but to identify any significant errors in the referee’s account of events. Upon reviewing the footage, they found discrepancies in the referee’s report, indicating a clear mistake.
The committee highlighted video evidence where Greenwood was heard saying, ‘One, two, three, four, f***.’ If the red card had been upheld, it could have led to a potential four-game suspension. However, following the successful appeal, he played in Getafe’s recent win against RCD Espanyol.
The referee’s initial report after the match described Greenwood’s dismissal for protest and alleged use of explicit language. Nonetheless, the FA committee disagreed based on the video evidence. Greenwood’s loan to Getafe came about after Manchester United chose to relocate him elsewhere following protests from Old Trafford fans due to a domestic abuse court case. Although the charges were dropped, an internal investigation by United prompted Greenwood’s loan move to Getafe.
