Real Madrid’s midfield dynamo Federico Valverde could be hit with a lengthy suspension for an altercation with Villarreal’s Alex Baena.
According to sources, the 23-year-old Uruguayan lashed out at Baena following Los Blancos’ shock 3-2 defeat to the Yellow Submarine on April 9.
The National Anti-Violence Commission convened on Monday to review the incident before referring the case to the Spanish Football Federation’s Committee of Competition.
The committee will now launch a full investigation, which could result in Valverde being banned for up to 12 matches if found guilty of violent conduct.
Interestingly, the probe was not initiated at Villarreal’s behest but at the directive of the Anti-Violence Commission. The RFEF disciplinary body will pore over a police report filed after officers investigated the post-match fracas at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The inquiry is anticipated to take at least six weeks to complete.
Madrid officials believe Competition Committee involvement could be a blessing in disguise for Valverde’s long-term prospects.
Had it been a criminal investigation, the midfield dynamo might have faced a suspension of up to six months for aggression under Spain’s revised sports law.
Valverde’s Potential Suspension Could Hurt Real Madrid’s Hopes for Trophies
Rumors abound that Valverde lashed out in anger after Baena made a tasteless jibe about a miscarriage scare involving the player’s pregnant partner back in January. Baena allegedly made a similarly cutting remark after the recent game to provoke the Uruguayan.
Valverde has evolved into one of Real’s most influential players this season. Although chiefly deployed in central midfield, he has netted 12 times and claimed five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
Federico Valverde helped propel Madrid to a La Liga, Champions League and Supercopa de Espana treble. While his lung-busting displays, relentless pressing and dribbling have been pivotal to their success, Valverde has notably improved his goalscoring. He has emerged as Madrid’s third-top marksman behind Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.
The lengthy suspension would be a massive blow for Los Blancos during the business end of the campaign. Valverde’s absence could seriously undermine their hopes of claiming more silverware this season.
However, the club remain confident the Competition Committee will consider mitigating factors before determining a proportionate punishment.
