Midfielder Federico Valverde (L) appeared in 54 games this season for Real Madrid. File Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
Real Madrid fined Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni $589,000 apiece for a fight at their training ground, the La Liga club announced Friday.
The incident occurred Thursday and led to Valverde being treated at a hospital for a cut on his head. Madrid said Thursday that he also was diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma, or traumatic brain injury, and will not play Sunday against Barcelona. Valverde was sent home to rest for 10 to 14 days.
On Thursday, Madrid conducted disciplinary proceedings, which included an investigator, for Valverde and Tchouameni.
“During their appearance, the players expressed their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to each other,” Madrid said.
“Under these circumstances, Real Madrid has decided to impose a financial penalty of 500,000 euros on each player, thereby concluding the corresponding internal procedures,” Madrid said.
Valverde totaled 11 goals and 13 assists over 54 appearances this year for Madrid. Tchouameni totaled two goals and two assists over over 52 appearances.
Barcelona will host Madrid in El Clasico at 3 p.m. EDT Sunday in Barcelona. Barcelona can clinch La Liga by avoiding a loss in the rivalry matchup.
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Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the FIFA World Cup trophy after Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Final win — its third tournament trophy — at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar, on December 18, 2022. Photo by Chris Brunskill/UPI | License Photo
