Mason Greenwood accused of disgusting act in Aston Villa clash as new footage emerges

Marseille forward Mason Greenwood became embroiled in an altercation with Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings on Saturday, and a report has shed new light on the catalyst for the defender’s fury.

Greenwood, 23, and Mings, 32, both started the friendly match at the Stade Velodrome as the home side ran out 3-1 winners.

The former Manchester United striker opened the scoring five minutes in before John McGinn levelled just three minutes later.

Then, former Arsenal and Chelsea player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace late in the game. And what was meant to be a fitness-gaining exercise with little contact became a fiery spectacle.

In the 87th minute, Greenwood fouled Villa midfielder Amadou Onana before shoving him and exchanging a few choice words with the Belgian.

Mings quickly stepped in and grabbed the 23-year-old before the physical altercation continued as players from both sides tried to separate the pair.

After the match, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi revealed that his opposite number Unai Emery had “complained” about the behaviour of the home side’s players.

“He complained to my players. I prefer that he takes care of his players, and I take care of mine," De Zerbi said.

"The match was heated, it's good that it's like that, people paid to come to the Vélodrome, when they could have gone to the beach, we have to respect them. We should have been more aggressive from the start.

"We have to go there with the same attitude, not act without commitment. Tomorrow (Sunday) morning, we train, no time to have fun or make ourselves look pretty."

It was initially unclear why Mings reacted in the way he did, but a report from The Sun has since stated that “Greenwood is claimed to have spat” at Onana, who held his face during his feud with the Englishman despite the pair being stood a fair distance apart at the time.

Disciplinary action is unlikely due to the match being a friendly, and UEFA has no jurisdiction over the game.

Aston Villa return to action in their Premier League opener against Newcastle United at Villa Park on Saturday, while Marseille kick off their Ligue 1 campaign away at Rennes on Friday.

SPORTbible has contacted Olympique de Marseille for comment.