Aurélien Choameny and Federico Valverde punished by Real Madrid for a ‘senseless fight’ during first-team training on Thursday morning
Aurelien Choameny and Federico Valverde apologize to each other (Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid have fined Aurélien Choameny and Federico Valverde a total of €1 million (approximately £863,905) following the conclusion of their disciplinary proceedings. Both players will each pay €500,000 (approximately £431,953) after apologizing to each other, the club, team-mates, coaching staff and Madrid fans.
They announced the financial penalty a day after starting disciplinary proceedings against the pair. Madrid confirmed the incident occurred during first-team training on Thursday morning, with Valverde calling it a “pointless battle”.
The club separately shared Valverde’s craniocerebral trauma diagnosis. Madrid announced that he is in good condition but will need at least 10 days of rest.
read more: Federico Valverde says he suffered a ‘trauma’ against Real Madridread more: Real Madrid launch lawsuit against two players after brawl at training ground
“Real Madrid CF announces that following the events yesterday that led to the opening of disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Choameny, both of them appeared before the case investigators today. During their appearance in court, the players expressed their deep regret for what had happened and apologized to each other,” a club statement released on Friday night said.
“Both players have also apologized to the club, their team-mates, the coaching staff and the fans and have stated that they are ready to accept any sanctions against Real Madrid that the club deems appropriate. In light of the circumstances, Real Madrid has decided to impose a fine of 500,000 euros on each player and has concluded the corresponding internal procedure.”
The first statement read: “Real Madrid CF announces that it has decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Choameni following an incident that occurred during first-team training this morning. The club will provide an update on the resolution of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed.”
Madrid also released a medical report on Valverde. “As a result of the tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Service on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with craniocerebral trauma. Valverde is in good condition at home and will require 10 to 14 days of rest, as indicated in the medical protocols for this diagnosis,” it read.
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Valverde released a lengthy statement on social media Thursday night. Translated from Spanish to English: “Yesterday, I had an accident with a teammate during a training session. The fatigue and frustration from the competition made everything seem out of proportion.
“In a normal dressing room, things like this can happen and are often resolved internally without being publicized. Obviously someone here is spreading the rumors and in a non-title season Real Madrid are under constant scrutiny, so everything is thrown out of proportion.”
“Today, we had another disagreement. During an argument, I accidentally hit a table and got a small cut on my forehead, which required a regular trip to the hospital. My teammate never hit me, and I didn’t hit him either. I feel like my anger at the situation and the frustration of watching the guys struggle to give their best and get through the end of the season pushed me to the point of arguing with my teammates.”
“I am sorry. This situation has hurt me and I am truly sorry. This moment that we are experiencing is painful. Real Madrid is one of the most important things in my life and I cannot remain indifferent to it. The result is an accumulation that culminates in a meaningless battle, which tarnishes my image and leaves room for doubts that it will add fuel to the fire of an accident.”
“I wasn’t going to speak out until the end of the season. We were knocked out of the Champions League and I kept my anger and resentment to myself. Another wasted year. I wasn’t in a position to post on social media the face I only have to show on the field, and I think that’s what I did.”
“That is why I am the one most saddened and distressed to be going through this situation where I am unable to play the next game due to a medical decision. I have always given my best to the end and it hurts me more than anyone else to be unable to do so. I am ready to cooperate with the club and my teammates in any decisions they deem necessary. Thank you.”
Choameni also released a statement on social media after receiving the fine, saying: “What happened during training this week is unacceptable. I say this considering the example we are expected to set for young people, both in football and in school. No matter who is right or wrong, we should always look for the most gentle solution to resolve conflicts.”
“Above all, we are sorry for the image we have given the club. I know that everyone – the fans, staff, team-mates and management – is deeply disappointed with the way this season has gone. But regret is not an excuse for everything. No matter what dressing room it happened in, these incidents have no place at Real Madrid, especially since Real Madrid is the most talked about club in the world.”
“The internet loves to make up outlandish stories to make noise, so don’t believe everything you’re told or a false story. Anyway, this is not the time to find out who did what, who said what, who was right or wrong.
“I recognize and accept the club’s sanction. We are a family and although we may have disagreements from time to time, we must always put our goals above all else. I have apologized to the group and would like to extend my apologies to all Madrid players.”
“Now it’s time to move on. We’re focused on El Clasico and the season ahead and getting the club back to the top where it belongs.”
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