Aston Villa Marseille Mason Greenwood Amadou Onana
(credit: Villa TV)
Max Wilkins
Sun 10 August 2025 11:42, UK
Mason Greenwood was central to a huge moment of controversy against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Villans travelled to the Stade Velodrome on 9 August to face Marseille in their penultimate pre-season game of the summer.
It is fair to say that the clash was anything but friendly, with over 10 yellow cards and a number of flash points hanging over the 3-1 defeat.
The main talking point of the clash saw Greenwood go head-to-head with Tyrone Mings in a rival moment.
This came after the Englishman clashed directly with Amadou Onana in an incident which could now be looked into by UEFA.
Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana clashed with Mason Greenwood in Marseille vs Aston Villa(Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Greenwood could face UEFA sanction for Onana clash
There are very few players in world football right now who are as controversial as the former Manchester United man.
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As a result, it is little surprise that the Englishman has caught the headlines for all the wrong reasons, despite picking up a goal and assist against the Villans.
Having had his shirt ripped off his shoulders by Mings, it appears that there was good reason for the defender’s anger towards Greenwood.
The Marseille attacker swiped the legs of Onana off the ball
Having taken issue with the challenge, the Belgian shoved Greenwood
After laughing in the midfielder’s face, Mings stepped in and grabbed the forward
It appears at this point the Englishman spat towards the 24-year-old
Eagle-eyed supporters watching on noticed Onana touch his face, seemingly having been spat at by the English forward as they came face to face.
This is yet to be confirmed by Villa or Onana himself, but if they were to publicly acknowledge this, former PGMOL chief Hackett believes a UEFA investigation could be in the pipeline.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “If there is an outcry and an accusation from Aston Villa that this player spat at one of their players, it will be investigated.
“Spitting in the laws of the game is seen as a violent act and, of course, a red card offence.
“*It will be interesting to see if this alleged action is investigated.*“
Greenwood deserves ban if found guility
It is fair to say that a ban and a potential fine need to be handed to the ex-Manchester United man if Onana is to confirm the allegation fans are making.
Although it is unclear whether Greenwood has spat at the Belgium international, the midfielder’s reaction is definitely strange given the situation.
Considering Mings was actively grappling with the forward, for the 23-year-old to turn around and touch his face was bizarre.
It will be interesting to see what happens next in this saga, but it is fair to say that Unai Emery’s side won’t be booking any future friendlies at Marseille.
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