While Real Madrid’s season typically garners significant attention in May, this past week has seen the club under intense media scrutiny for less than ideal reasons. Following days of leaked reports detailing dressing room discontent, a physical altercation between Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni on Thursday brought the situation to a head.
The French midfielder participated in Friday’s training session as usual, but Real Madrid has initiated a disciplinary investigation involving both players. Valverde, who sustained a head injury during the fight, is expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks. Despite the Uruguayan’s claims of not being struck, this contradicts numerous other reports.
Real Madrid Dressing Room Believes Valverde Provoked the Fight
The 27-year-old appears to have suffered more consequences from this incident. Beyond his injury, Valverde has faced considerable criticism for a statement he released, which contained inconsistencies. Cadena SER reports that many Real Madrid players feel Valverde crossed a line in his conduct towards Tchouameni, repeatedly accusing him of leaking information to the press.
Although they do not condone Tchouameni’s actions, these players express greater disappointment in Valverde’s behavior. The Athletic corroborates this, adding that Valverde has exhibited such conduct “all year” and that his attitude has been “unworthy of a captain,” a sentiment echoed by multiple sources.
Fede Valverde Expected to Receive a More Severe Sanction
The club also seems more displeased with the Uruguayan than with Tchouameni. While both players are anticipated to face disciplinary action, initial indications suggest that Valverde’s sanction may be more severe. As vice-captain, Valverde holds greater responsibility within the dressing room, and his involvement in such a matter is seen as inappropriate.
With captain Dani Carvajal injured, Valverde was, in theory, the most senior figure of authority present at Thursday’s training session, after Arbeloa. Valverde is unlikely to play again this season, with his head injury ruling him out of all but the final home game against Athletic Club.
