Real Madrid has taken decisive disciplinary action following a training ground altercation between midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde. The club announced on Friday that both players have been fined 500,000 euros ($588,000) each as a result of the clash.
The incident left Valverde requiring medical attention, including stitches for a facial wound. Accompanied to a nearby hospital facility by coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Valverde is expected to be sidelined for up to two weeks. Consequently, the Uruguayan international will miss the highly anticipated Clasico against Barcelona this Sunday.
Despite the financial penalties, the club stated it would not impose further sporting sanctions, noting that the fines conclude the internal procedures launched against the two players. Tchouameni, who returned to training on Friday, remains available for selection for the match at Camp Nou.
Both players have expressed deep remorse. In a club statement, they apologized to their teammates, coaching staff, and fans, stating they were ready to accept any sanction deemed appropriate by the club.
Seeking to mitigate the severity of the incident, Valverde clarified on social media that the clash was a result of competition-driven frustration. He claimed the facial injury occurred accidentally when he hit a table during the argument, asserting that neither player physically attacked the other.
Tchouameni echoed the need for professionalism, stating that regardless of who was at fault, peaceful resolutions are paramount. "Now we have to move forward and play this Clasico," he noted.
The internal turmoil comes at a critical juncture for Los Blancos. The club is facing the possibility of a second consecutive season without a major trophy, currently trailing Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga. With Hansi Flick's Barcelona side poised to clinch the league title this Sunday if they avoid defeat, the pressure on Real Madrid has reached a boiling point.
Reference(s):
Real Madrid fine Tchouameni and Valverde 500,000 euros over bust-up
cgtn.com
