The Spanish League Competitions Committee issues a penalty to Valverde, contrary to the referee’s interpretation

The Spanish Football League’s Competitions Committee decided to suspend Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid star, for one match because he was sent off with a direct red card he received during the derby match against Atletico Madrid.

It was expected that Valverde would be suspended for two matches based on the referee’s interpretation, but the committee imposed the minimum penalty, so that the Real Madrid star would miss the match against Mallorca, scheduled for April 4.

The Real Madrid player received a direct red card in the 77th minute of the derby for obstructing the opposing player without the ball and with excessive force.

The Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that, based on the referee’s interpretation, Valverde was expected to be suspended for two matches, but the Competitions Committee decided to apply the minimum penalty and reduce it to one match.

She added that the reduction of the penalty came despite the support of the referees’ technical committee for the arena referee’s decision during a review of the case.

Real Madrid appealed Valverde’s expulsion, but to no avail. The Madrid club will renew its attempts before the Appeals Committee to overturn the penalty, but all indications do not suggest the success of this effort.