Spanish La Liga side Getafe have condemned the derogatory and intolerant chants that have been directed at their team and new signee Mason Greenwood, News About Nigeria report.
The club have recently faced chants that included serious insults, and they have come out to condemn the behaviour in a statement issued after their recent match against Athletic Bilbao, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Mason Greenwood made his first start for Getafe in the match that was marked by a high number of bookings, including a red card for Getafe’s manager, Jose Bordalas.
The club’s statement expressed their disapproval of the offensive chants and emphasized their opposition to violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sports.
It read in part, “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.”
While the club acknowledges the importance of constructive criticism and freedom of expression in the game, they reject any form of derogatory and insulting behavior directed at their team.
The club called for support from individuals and their supporters to accord the team some respect. They highlighted that their players and coaching staff are not just professionals but also individuals with emotions, families, and friends who share their experiences, emphasizing that such derogatory remarks not only harm the image of the club but also the overall reputation of the competition and the professionals involved.
Getafe have a history of respecting organizations, rivals, and other members of the football community, However, they believe that it is essential to address the seriousness of these events and defend the honor of their players and coaches.