Real Madrid announced on Friday that midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have each been fined 500,000 euros (approximately $588,000) following a physical altercation during a training session that required hospital attention for Valverde. The club stated that this financial penalty concludes the internal disciplinary process and no further sporting sanctions will be imposed.
Valverde, who sustained a head injury in the clash, will miss the upcoming Clasico fixture against Barcelona on Sunday. The club indicated that he is expected to be sidelined for up to two weeks. Meanwhile, Tchouameni participated in training on Friday and remains eligible for selection at Camp Nou this weekend.
Real Madrid confirmed that both players expressed full remorse for their behavior and apologized to each other during the investigation conducted by the club. They also apologized to the club, their teammates, coaching staff, and supporters. Both have committed to accepting any sanctions deemed appropriate by the club.
According to reports from Spanish media, Uruguay international Valverde was escorted to the hospital near the club’s Valdebebas training facilities by coach Alvaro Arbeloa, where he received stitches to treat a facial wound. However, Valverde sought to downplay the severity of the incident in a social media statement, emphasizing that the situation escalated due to the pressure of competition and frustration. He clarified that he accidentally hit a table during the dispute, which caused a small cut on his forehead necessitating hospital care. He further denied that either player struck the other during the episode.
French midfielder Tchouameni acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable and emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully. He remarked that focusing on who was right or wrong was not productive and accepted the fine imposed on him. Tchouameni expressed the hope that the team could now move forward to focus on the crucial Clasico match.
