BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has defended players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni after their in-practice scuffle, saying their apologies were enough to settle the incident. The club fined both players 500,000 euros ($590,000).
The Fight Incident
The tussle between the two midfielders occurred during Madrid's practice on Thursday. Valverde ended up at the hospital to treat a head wound, saying he had hit his head on a table and calling the incident "a meaningless fight."
Both players apologized to one another the next day when they met with club officials investigating the incident. They also apologized to their teammates, coaching staff and fans.
The 15-time European champion deemed the spat a serious breach of team discipline, imposing fines that would even impact the bank account of a top soccer player.
Arbeloa's Response
"My players recognized their mistake, expressed their remorse and asked for forgiveness," Arbeloa told reporters in Madrid on Saturday. "That is enough for me. What I am not going to do is burn them on a pyre in a town square, because they don't deserve that. It is time to turn the page."
Arbeloa's harshest words were directed at whoever leaked the fight to the media, which was first reported by Spanish sports daily Marca. "What happens in the changing room ends up being filtered to the media is a betrayal of Real Madrid," he said. "These things must stay in the changing room."
The coach also referenced past team incidents: "I had a teammate that hit another with a golf club. Situations like this have always happened, but I am not justifying them."
Madrid Faces Crucial Clásico
Arbeloa now faces the difficult task of rallying his players for Sunday's match at fierce rival Barcelona. Only a win by Madrid can stop Barcelona from clinching a second straight La Liga title.
Despite having France star Kylian Mbappé on the squad, Madrid is facing a second straight season without a major trophy. Barcelona holds an 11-point lead over Madrid with four games remaining.
"There is no doubt I have to take the responsibility for the fact that we have not risen to the challenge this season," Arbeloa admitted. "It is clear that feelings of frustration and anger can push you into situations that you don't desire. But now we must focus on (Sunday's) game."
Tchouaméni will be in Madrid's squad for the Clásico, while Valverde remains on medical leave recovering from his head injury.