Lee Kang-in's "killing tackle" victim Valverde makes surprise return; Atletico Madrid responds with mocking "Congratulations" post

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, who was knocked down by Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid)'s rough tackle, made a surprise return. Although Real Madrid had issued two statements emphasizing a "Grade 3 sprain" among other details, the comeback is much faster than expected. In response, the Atletico (AT) Madrid club replied with a mocking social media (SNS) post saying "Congratulations."

Spanish outlet Marca reported on the 10th (Korean time), "The AT Madrid club posted a mocking message upon news of Valverde's injury recovery and his inclusion in the squad list for the match against Villarreal," introducing the AT Madrid club's SNS post which read, "We would like to congratulate Real Madrid club for writing history by proving that 100% of the world's medical community was wrong."

The reason for AT Madrid club's such mockery is that it is largely disconnected from Real Madrid club's anger surrounding the scene of Lee Kang-in's rough tackle, which occurred at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on the 20th of last month. At the time, Lee Kang-in sparked controversy by delivering a tackle toward Valverde's ankle during a ball contest. The moment of the tackle was also featured as-is on the main page of Spanish outlet Marca.

However, the referee at the time did not pull out any particular card for Lee Kang-in, and Valverde also played the full match. Nevertheless, after the game, Real Madrid club claimed that a "direct red card" should have been issued for Lee Kang-in's tackle at the time, and further announced a diagnosis of a Grade 3 left ankle sprain for Valverde. A Grade 3 sprain is an injury requiring up to 12 weeks of rehabilitation.

However, Valverde himself was included in the squad list for the match against Villarreal after the international break. This was 19 days after the match and just 17 days after the "Grade 3 sprain" diagnosis was officially announced. This is why AT Madrid club mocked that Real Madrid's anger at the time did not reflect reality, stating that they had "proven that 100% of the world's medical community was wrong."

Marca added, "Lee Kang-in's rough tackle toward Valverde at the time was a core issue in Real Madrid's criticism of the referee's decision," but noted, "When news broke that Valverde returned in 17 days despite the diagnosis announcement, AT Madrid did not miss the chance to mock 'Valverde's miracle.' AT Madrid once again did not miss the opportunity to strike at their opponent's sore spot."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original