Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the heated Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid.
The decision comes despite Real Madrid’s efforts to overturn the dismissal, with the club submitting an appeal backed by video evidence. Los Blancos argued that Valverde’s challenge was a genuine attempt to win the ball, insisting there was no dangerous intent or excessive force involved. However, La Liga authorities have rejected the appeal, confirming the midfielder will serve a one-game ban.
Valverde’s suspension is a partial relief for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, as initial fears suggested the Uruguayan could face a longer ban of up to two matches. Instead, he will miss only the upcoming league fixture against Mallorca after the international break.
The incident occurred during Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where tensions ran high in a fiercely contested clash. Valverde’s sending-off sparked widespread debate, with fans and pundits divided over whether the challenge warranted a straight red card.