Earlier today, it was widely reported that Real Madrid midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde had a physical altercation in training (Thursday), just one day after a verbal altercation. 

Well, as expected, the rumors have been confirmed by the club. Indeed, as Real Madrid issued a statement earlier today, saying: "Real Madrid CF announces that, following the incidents that occurred this morning during the first team's training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. 

The club will provide updates on the resolutions of both proceedings once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed."

Furthermore, the club has confirmed a medical report on Valverde: "After the tests carried out today on our player Fede Valverde by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cranioencephalic trauma. 

Valverde is at home in good condition and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by medical protocols for this diagnosis." 

I mean, what can you say? We already knew, based on how high-level and credible the reports were, that this happened, but it still just feels mental to have the official confirmation.

Considering that Valverde is now basically out for the rest of the season anyway, it will be interesting to see if he faces disciplinary action for the start of the season. i.e., if he were suspended by the club for the rest of this season (four games), would they then suspend him for the first four games of next season?

Sure, perhaps that does sound like cutting your nose to spite your face, considering how important he is to the team, but it is about the bigger picture. You cannot let something like this go unpunished. 

As for Tchouameni, who does not appear to be injured, you would imagine he will not play again this season, certainly not in El Clasico this weekend anyway. Although it is far from the most important thing right now, it will be very interesting to see how Alvaro Arbeloa picks the midfield without two players who almost always start when fit and available. 

But, wow. What a shambles. This is such a bad look. Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, is literally the laughingstock of Spain and world football. This is humiliating for everyone associated with the club in every sense. 

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