Real Madrid star Federico Valverde is facing charges after allegedly punching Villarreal player Alex Baena in the face. The incident reportedly occurred in the players’ car park at the Bernabeu stadium following a LaLiga clash between the clubs, which ended in a 3-2 win for Villarreal. Both Valverde and Baena had clashed on the pitch moments before the full-time whistle was blown. Valverde waited for Baena near where the team buses park at the Bernabeu and is believed to have struck the left winger. Baena was spotted soon after with a bruised and swollen cheekbone. Valverde will escape any punishment from LaLiga after Villarreal decided to report the incident to the Spanish FA, but the club confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening that Baena is pressing charges and the police are now involved.
“Villarreal CF player Álex Baena was assaulted last night while on his way to the team bus after the match against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium,” the statement read. “Faced with this situation, the player has decided to file a complaint against the aggressor with the police. Once again, Villarreal CF rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in the player’s version of events and will support him throughout this process.”
The two have a longstanding feud dating back to a previous clash in January where Baena was alleged to have insulted Valverde during a Copa del Rey match. The 21-year-old is alleged to have made a comment about the Madrid star’s then-unborn baby. However, this is something that the Villarreal player and his representatives strongly deny.
Baena took to social media to clear his name after the match and also seemingly hit out at Valverde for punching him. “Very happy with the impressive victory of the team in a stage like the Santiago Bernabeu,” he wrote on Instagram. “But at the same time very sad for the aggression I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about me. It is totally untrue that I said that.”
The incident has sparked a debate about violence in football and the need for stricter punishments for players who engage in violent behaviour. Some have argued that Valverde should face a ban from playing, while others have suggested that Baena should also be punished for his alleged comments about Valverde’s family.
Regardless of the outcome of the case, it is clear that incidents like this are damaging to the reputation of football and should be taken seriously by all involved. Players have a responsibility to behave professionally both on and off the pitch, and clubs must take action to ensure that their players are held accountable for their actions. Only by working together can we create a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved in the beautiful game.