SL Benfica, in an official statement, have announced that their complaint against Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde for ‘violent misconduct’ has been dismissed by UEFA.
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica has been informed by UEFA that the complaint filed by the Club regarding the incident involving Real Madrid player Federico Valverde has been dropped,” the statement read.
Benfica had submitted a disciplinary complaint to UEFA against the Uruguayan midfielder for alleged violent behaviour during the first leg of the Champions League play-off for a place in the Round of 16 against Real Madrid.
The Portuguese club believed that an alleged assault by Valverde on full-back Samuel Dahl in the 83rd minute of Tuesday’s match had gone unpunished.
Benfica had filed a complaint against Valverde. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
In that action, the referee did not award any infringement and the VAR did not intervene.
Benfica had hoped that UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee would deliver a decision before the second leg. It has done so, but by rejecting the request for punishment submitted by the Lisbon club.
Disappointed by UEFA’s verdict, the statement from Benfica added: “Benfica regrets that, given the clear evidence in the images showing the assault on Benfica player Samuel Dahl, UEFA has decided not to proceed with any disciplinary action.
“Without a doubt, this is a red card situation that was not sanctioned during the match, and with this dismissal, it does not warrant further punishment.”