Real Madrid may have won the Madrid derby on Sunday, but they have lost Fede Valverde due to suspension.
The Uruguayan midfielder was shown a red card at the Bernabéu after a strong challenge on Atlético Madrid’s Alex Baena, putting him at risk of a suspension.
The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) informed the Spanish Football Federation that referee José Luis Munuera Montero’s decision was correct, leaving the matter to the Competition Committee to determine Valverde’s punishment.
Today, Wednesday, the decision has been made—and it is one that will please Real Madrid fans. According to Diario AS, Valverde has been suspended for one match by the Committee.
His action, considered a dangerous tackle, could have resulted in a two-match suspension, but it was decided to apply the minimum punishment.
Real Madrid had appealed Valverde’s sanction, arguing that he had attempted to play the ball but mistimed the challenge. However, the Competition Committee did not agree and upheld referee Munuera Montero’s interpretation.
This decision means that Valverde will miss Real Madrid’s first match after the international break, against Mallorca at Son Moix.
However, he will be available for the match against Girona next week, although that game falls between the two legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, meaning he could be rested to conserve energy.
