- Pre-season fixture played out in France
- Late drama as players & coaches scuffled
- Disciplinary action considered to be unlikely
The pre-season contest in France saw a fuse lit when players from both teams became caught up in an angry brawl. Former Manchester United winger Greenwood found himself at the centre of the scuffle.
He had initially tangled with Onana after hacking the Belgian to the ground and then smiling in the midfielder’s face as they squared up. According to The Sun, it was during that flashpoint that Greenwood “appeared to spit” in Onana’s direction.
Villa defender Mings was close by as those events played out, leading to the 32-year-old stepping in and grabbing Greenwood by the shirt. The ex-Manchester United player’s jersey was ripped during the physical and verbal altercation.
Disciplinary action is considered to be unlikely, unless the incident is included in the referee’s match report. UEFA will not get involved as European football’s governing body has no jurisdiction over a friendly fixture.
The lively encounter finished 3-1 to Marseille, with Greenwood opening the scoring before teeing up one of two goals from ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Villa boss Unai Emery was also involved in a heated exchange with opposite number Roberto De Zerbi after the final whistle, with tempers boiling over on and off the pitch.
