Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

Mason Greenwood and Tyrone Mings in Shirt-Ripping Exchange During Marseille vs Aston Villa Friendly

Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

A pre-season match between Marseille and Aston Villa has turned into a lighting match on Saturday evening. Mason Greenwood and Tyrone Mings were involved in a heated exchange that left the Marseille forward with a ripped shirt. The friendly at the Stade Vélodrome began positively for Greenwood.

He opened the scoring in the fifth minute. It was his seventh goal of the pre-season. Then John McGinn equalised for Aston Villa. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then struck twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 win for Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Greenwood also provided the assist for Aubameyang’s second goal.

Mason Greenwood getting ragged about by Tyrone Mings 🫡🫡#AVFC

pic.twitter.com/mO6NrI2wUM
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) August 9, 2025

Late Challenge Sparks Confrontation

Tempers flared late in the match when Greenwood, 23, lashed out with what BirminghamLive described as a ‘kick’ at Villa midfielder Amadou Onana after losing possession. The challenge sent the Belgian tumbling and drew an angry reaction.

Onana confronted Greenwood, pointing to his face as though the striker had spat at him. However, it was unclear if contact had been made. Mings, who was an unused substitute when Greenwood made his sole England appearance in 2020, reacted furiously.

With the scenes that went on at the field, Mings grabbed his scuff of Greenwood’s shirt neck and throttled him. He then swung him around and tore the forward’s jersey in the process. Greenwood managed to keep his footing. However, he was visibly unsettled as Marseille players rushed in to separate the two.

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The confrontation saw players from both sides pile in before tempers eventually cooled. Greenwood was substituted shortly after as he was seen leaving the pitch without his shirt. Meanwhile, De Zerbi and Villa boss Unai Emery were seen exchanging words on the touchline.

Mason Greenwood Strong Form in Pre-season

Despite the controversy, Greenwood remains in excellent form. He has scored 22 goals and registered six assists in 36 appearances last season for Marseille. His performances have attracted significant transfer interest this summer.

Also Read: Barcelona Confirm Exit of Key Defensive Leader Inigo Martinez

Reportedly, Barcelona and Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr were among the suitors. Marseille are determined to keep hold of him and are said to value him at over £85 million. It’s a huge amount that could trigger a 50% sell-on clause benefiting Manchester United.

The Red Devils sold him to the French club last year. With the heated exchange and a defeat recorded in this game, Villa are set to conclude their pre-season on a better note against Villarreal on Sunday. That is, before they host Newcastle next weekend in the Premier League.

Aston Villa

Marseille

Marseille vs Aston Villa

Mason Greenwood

Tyrone Mings

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.