Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde reportedly punched Villarreal player Alex Baena in the face after their heated match on Saturday.
The incident took place in the parking lot of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and overshadowed Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Villarreal.
According to reports, the motive behind the punch was a disrespectful remark made by Baena in their previous match in the Copa del Rey back in January. Baena had allegedly made a comment about Valverde’s partner’s miscarriage scare. He had also imitated Valverde crying, which further enraged him.
The same comment was reportedly made in Saturday’s match. This drove Valverde to wait for Baena by the Villarreal team bus after the game to confront him. Baena has denied making these comments. He tweeted after the match, expressing happiness for the team’s victory. He also expressed sadness for the aggression he suffered after the game.
Valverde has admitted to the altercation with Baena.
Valverde’s entourag provided a statement to Marca, supporting the player’s actions. They said that Baena had kicked Valverde in the Copa del Rey match and made the derogatory comment. They also claimed that Baena had made another similar comment in Saturday’s match, which prompted Valverde to confront him in the parking lot.
Villarreal’s delegate, Xisco Nadal, called out Valverde in a now-deleted tweet, calling him a thug and a coward. Villarreal have been in contact with the Spanish police and the decision to press charges now lies with Baena.
Despite the off-the-field altercation, Real Madrid must now focus on their upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea on Wednesday.
