In a meeting with Real's internal disciplinary officer on 8/5, Valverde and Tchouameni both admitted their mistake. The midfield duo directly apologized to each other, and extended their apologies to teammates, coaching staff, and fans.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the fine of 500,000 EUR for each player is considered one of the most severe financial penalties in Real's history.

Despite imposing a heavy financial penalty, Real did not apply any sporting sanctions. Consequently, Valverde and Tchouameni will continue to train and play normally, remaining part of the squad for the final stages of the season. Real has four remaining La Liga matches, facing Barca on 10/5, Oviedo on 14/5, Sevilla on 17/5, and Bilbao on 25/5.

In an announcement on 8/5, Real emphasized that it had concluded the entire internal disciplinary process after the players showed remorse and accepted the financial penalty.

Valverde (left) and Tchouameni during Real's match against Man City at Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, in the second leg of the Champions League play-off on the evening of 19/2/2025. Photo: Reuters

Valverde and Tchouameni's conflict began on 6/5, escalating into a physical altercation at practice the following day. The incident left Valverde with a head injury similar to a concussion, requiring him to rest for 10 to 14 days.

On 7/5, Valverde admitted that the tense atmosphere at Real led to the incident. He stated that disappointment over a forgettable season caused his emotions to spiral out of control. However, the Uruguayan midfielder denied fighting, claiming his injury occurred when he "accidentally hit his head on a table" during the argument.

Yesterday, Tchouameni posted a message about the incident, acknowledging its seriousness and emphasizing the responsibility of a professional player. The French midfielder clearly stated that his actions during practice were "unacceptable", also raising concerns about the team's public image.

Tchouameni stressed the importance of setting an example for younger generations, noting that conflicts, whether in football or life, should always be resolved calmly rather than letting emotions take over. He expressed disappointment that the incident affected the image of a major club like Real.

Tchouameni regretted the negative public and social media reaction, suggesting that much of the information was exaggerated or inaccurate. However, he chose not to delve into arguments of right or wrong, instead focusing on personal and collective responsibility.

The 26-year-old player fully accepted the club's disciplinary decision. Tchouameni affirmed there was no room for blame, advocating instead for internal unity: the team remains a "family" despite occasional disagreements.

The midfielder also apologized to the entire team and fans, emphasizing the current goal of focusing on the remainder of the season, especially the El Clasico match on 10/5. If they fail to win at Camp Nou, Real will witness Barca crowned champions.

Hong Duy (according to Marca, Mundo Deportivo)