Ex-Barcelona director Freixa: Give Valverde 12 matches!

While many pundits stated Valverde's dismissal during the derby win against Atletico Madrid was harsh, Freixa took the opposite view.

Taking to social media, Freixa posted: "The  campaign is coming ‘Save soldier Valverde’.

"Due to premeditation and treachery, 12 games should fall to him!"

For their part, there is already talk of Real Madrid lodging an appeal against the decision. Valverde's challenge on Álex Baena saw the Uruguayan given a straight red card on 77 minutes.

Real management believe the decision was made because of the previous history between the two players.