Benfica files complaint against Valverde with UEFA: Details of the Real Madrid match crisis
The events of the recent Real Madrid vs. Benfica match in the Champions League have opened the door to a new legal and disciplinary crisis, as Spanish and Portuguese press reports have revealed an official move by the Portuguese club’s management against one of the most prominent stars of the Royal Club.
In detail, Benfica filed an official complaint with UEFA against Uruguayan Federico Valverde, Real Madrid's midfield star, following the events of the match between the two teams last Tuesday, which ended with Real Madrid winning 1-0 in the qualifying play-off for the round of 16 of the continental competition.
Details of the alleged attack on Samuel Dahl
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the Portuguese complaint is based on video footage alleging that Valverde delivered a "powerful punch" to Benfica player Samuel Dahl. Reports indicate that the incident occurred outside of direct competition for the ball, which would classify it as "violent conduct" under UEFA's disciplinary regulations.
The refereeing expert for the Spanish newspaper, Iturralde González, reinforced the Portuguese club's position with his statements in which he confirmed that the incident warranted a direct expulsion, saying: "This is a clear red card; Valverde punched the Benfica player for no reason and without the ball. He should have been sent off immediately if the incident had been observed.".
Match tensions: between racism and violence
The incident involving Valverde wasn't the only event that marred the match; the game was marked by significant tension, culminating in the activation of the anti-racism protocol. Brazilian star Vinicius Junior reported to the referee that he had been subjected to racist insults by Benfica player Gianluca Brestiani, prompting Real Madrid to submit their own evidence to UEFA. This led the European governing body to launch a comprehensive investigation involving both parties.
Potential repercussions and UEFA's stance
This complaint is particularly significant given Valverde's importance to Carlo Ancelotti's squad, where he is considered the driving force of the team's midfield. If found guilty by UEFA's disciplinary committee, the player could face a multi-match suspension, a significant blow to Real Madrid in the crucial knockout stages.
UEFA is known for its strict stance on off-the-ball incidents, often resorting to post-match video review to make retrospective decisions if VAR missed an incident during play. Sports fans now await UEFA's final decision, which could significantly alter the balance of power in Real Madrid's upcoming matches.
