?Federico Valverde Handed One-Match Ban for Foul in Supercopa de España Final

?Federico Valverde has been given a one-game ban after seeing red for a professional foul in the Supercopa de Espana final. 

With five minutes to play in extra time and the scores level, Valverde was dismissed for intentionally bringing down Alvaro Morata when the Spaniard was clean through on goal. 

Real went on to win the game on penalties with Thomas Partey and Saúl Niguez both missing for Atletico in the shootout. The incident sparked a brawl between the players and has instigated a wider debate about whether such tactical fouls are in the spirit of the game. 

After the final, Valverde apologised to Morata but admitted he was left with little choice but to foul the former ?Chelsea man. 

“I apologise to Alvaro Morata,” he said. “I know it’s not good what I did, but I didn’t have any other option,” ?he said.

?Mundo Deportivo confirmed on Wednesday that despite calls to hand Valverde a strong punishment, his indiscretion has only earned him a one-match suspension, meaning that the young Uruguayan will miss Los Blancos’ game against Sevilla on Saturday. 

Real boss Zinedine Zidane will be relieved at the decision with the 21-year-old becoming an important player for his side this season – scoring two goals and registering three assists for his side.

Valverde has made 15 La Liga appearances with his emergence to the first team understood to have tempered the club’s interest in signing Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. 

The youngster’s stellar displays led to him being offered a ?new five-year contract in November. Valverde’s new deal is understood to include a colossal €750m release clause, such is Los Blancos desire to build their team around him in the future.

---

For more from Matt O’Connor-Simpson, follow him on Twitter!

Let’