REAL MADRID star Federico Valverde could be banned for 12 matches for allegedly punching Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena.

The incident is said to have occurred shortly after Villarreal’s 3-2 victory at the Bernabeu on April 8.

3Fede Valverde could face a lengthy ban if found guilty of punching Alex BaenaCredit: Rex

Valverde is alleged to have confronted Baena by the team buses before throwing a punch at him.

The Spanish FA are set to launch an investigation into the allegation.

If found guilty, The Athletic claim that Valverde could be banned for up to 12 matches – with four the minimum sentence.

It could also be determined that they cannot hand out a ban as the alleged incident did not take place during a match.

Valverde, 24, is said to have been upset by an alleged comment made by Baena during a match between the two sides in January.

At the time, the Real Madrid midfielder’s wife Mina Bonino was experiencing complications in her pregnancy.

Baena was accused of making a sick comment referencing Valverde’s unborn child – something he has since denied.

After the alleged incident on April 8, which is claimed to have left Baena with a swollen cheek and bruising, the 21-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Very happy with the impressive victory of the team in a stage like the Santiago Bernabeu but at the same time very sad for the aggression I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about me. It is totally untrue that I said that.”

3Alex Baena has denied claims made against himCredit: Rex

Baena subsequently sought to press charges, with his club confirming in a statement: “Villarreal CF player Alex Baena was assaulted last night on his way to the team bus after the match against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

“Faced with this situation, the player has decided to file the corresponding complaint against the aggressor before the National Police.

“Once again, Villarreal CF rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in the version of its player and will support him throughout this process.”

The Spanish FA’s investigation is likely to take more than a month, meaning Valverde should be available for the Copa del Rey final.

Meanwhile, Mina released an emotional statement addressing the incident.

The 29-year-old wrote: “Do I have to explain why they told me that my pregnancy could not continue?

“We were silent for almost two months waiting for the result to know whether or not we could continue, having already five months of pregnancy.

“I have already gone through enough for them to come and question me about my son’s health.

“Despite everything, from the bottom of my heart, I don’t wish anyone to go through a similar situation.”

Thankfully Valverde and Mina’s child is believed to be healthy, with Mina updating fans on Instagram last month that she was “six months into it”.

The couple already have one son together named Benicio, born in February 2020.

3Valverde and wife Mina Bonino are expecting their second child later this year