The Suspension Fede Valverde Could Face After His Derby Red Card
A heated derby moment could now carry serious consequences… and all signs suggest the punishment won’t be a light one.
The clash between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid produced one of the most controversial moments of the match. In the 77th minute, Federico Valverde was sent off by referee José Luis Munuera Montero after a hard challenge on Álex Baena.
The decision was immediate and decisive, with no VAR intervention to overturn it. In his official report, the referee stated that the Uruguayan was dismissed “for kicking an opponent with excessive force, without being within playing distance of the ball.”
The report complicates his situation
The wording of the referee’s report is crucial in determining the sanction. By clearly stating that Valverde had no chance of playing the ball, the incident falls into one of the more serious categories under the regulations.
According to Article 120, a straight red card carries at least a one-match suspension, but this increases to a minimum of two matches when there is no genuine attempt to play the ball—exactly the scenario described.
Violent conduct and possible outcomes
Additionally, Article 130 on violent conduct reinforces this interpretation. In cases involving excessive force without causing injury, the suspension can range from one to three matches.
However, when the action occurs without any possibility of playing the ball, the range typically rises to between two and three matches, putting Valverde in a difficult position ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Precedents point in one direction
Recent cases suggest a likely two-match suspension. Incidents involving players like Jan Virgili, Brais Méndez, and Nyom resulted in similar punishments under comparable circumstances.
All indications point toward Federico Valverde receiving a similar sanction—one that could have a significant impact not only on the player but also on Real Madrid during a crucial stage of the season.
