Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde is facing charges after allegedly punching Villarreal star Alex Baena in the face in the stadium car park following their La Liga match on Saturday. Baena has pressed charges against Valverde, claiming that the Uruguayan punched him as he was boarding the team coach after Madrid’s 3-2 loss at the Bernabeu. The feud between the pair reportedly began during a Copa del Rey match in January, when Baena allegedly made a comment about Valverde’s wife’s pregnancy scare. The two players clashed again during the La Liga match, before Valverde confronted Baena in the car park outside the stadium.
Villarreal have confirmed that the police are now involved and that Spain’s Anti-Violence Commission could be called in to investigate. In a statement, the club said that Baena had been assaulted and had decided to file a complaint against Valverde before the National Police. The club also stated that it rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in Baena’s version of events, and will support him throughout the process.
Valverde, who is set to face Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, has not yet commented on the incident. However, his wife Mina Bonino has released an emotional statement after her husband was accused of punching Baena over the alleged comment about her pregnancy. Bonino revealed that they had been silent for almost two months waiting for the result to know whether or not they could continue with the pregnancy, and that despite everything, she did not wish anyone to go through a similar situation.
Valverde and Bonino already have one son together named Benicio, who was born in February 2020. Bonino updated fans on Instagram last month that she was “six months into” her second pregnancy, and thankfully their child is believed to be healthy.
This incident highlights the importance of sportsmanship and respect between players, both on and off the field. It is unacceptable for players to resort to violence or aggression towards each other, and such behaviour should not be tolerated in any sport. It is also important for clubs and governing bodies to take a strong stance against violence and to support victims of such incidents. Hopefully, this incident will serve as a reminder to all players and fans that sports should be played with respect and dignity, and that violence has no place in the game.