"Everyone, what are your thoughts?"
"I agree with what Alacañas just said. This foul was the fuse that triggered the conflict, and González's sudden physical aggression also kicked off the brawl. Therefore, I believe the punishment for these two should be severe. As for André on the Oviedo side, although he participated in the fight, I feel his punishment shouldn't be the same as the Real Madrid players."
"I agree as well."
"Yes, and we can also teach Real Madrid a lesson. The situation with Julen before has kept us in a very passive position. A large part of the reason our performance in this World Cup was so poor was because they privately approached and recruited Julen. So I agree with giving them a lesson."
"Alright, since you all agree with this plan, let's issue the disciplinary notice accordingly." Finally, Álvarez made the final decision on the disciplinary results with a firm tap of his gavel.
Soon, the Spanish Football Association held a press conference, where a spokesperson announced the results of the disciplinary actions regarding the brawl.
DISCIPLINARY RULINGS:
Real Madrid Castilla:
Óscar Rodríguez: 10-match ban + €100,000 fine Sergio González: 20-match ban + €150,000 fine Luca Zidane: 8-match ban + €50,000 fine
Real Oviedo:
André Cristiano: 5-match ban + €50,000 fine Saúl: 5-match ban + €50,000 fine Folch: 3-match ban
Once announced, this result immediately caused an uproar. The reporters on the scene never guessed that the Spanish Football Association's ruling would be so unexpectedly biased. Everyone had initially thought Oviedo would be heavily punished, but no one expected the heavy hammer to fall on Real Madrid, while Oviedo was essentially given a slap on the wrist.
At the meeting, facing questioning from some pro-Real Madrid reporters, the FA spokesperson gave a somewhat perfunctory explanation, defining Óscar's malicious foul as the fuse of the brawl. As for González, who received the most severe punishment, no one questioned it because the footage showed that González was the first to throw a punch during the entire brawl, which was the primary reason for his heavy penalty.
When Oviedo received the FA's disciplinary notice, Hierro immediately accepted an interview, stating they were willing to comply with the ruling. Although André and Saúl would be suspended for five matches, Hierro knew very well that, given the circumstances, this was already a very light punishment.
"Boss, I'm sorry. I failed to control my temper."
"André, I know you didn't want this. Although the responsibility isn't entirely on you, you must remember: no matter what kind of provocation or insult you face on the pitch, speaking with football is the best way. In fact, you already did that yesterday. Regardless of what you encountered at Castilla before, you've already hit back at everyone with your performance. The matter was caused by football, so naturally, it should be resolved through football. Why did they provoke you? It's because your performance on the pitch made them afraid. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Boss."
"Good. Since you're suspended, take a good rest and don't let this affect your mood. Also, don't waste these next few days. Maintain your form at all times. I'll need you to lead the charge for the squad once the suspension is over."
"Yes, I definitely will."
"By the way, if any reporters interview you during this time, try your best not to say anything, especially if they ask about your past. Got it?"
"Okay, I got it."
Before leaving Hierro's office, Hierro made sure to give that specific instruction.
Thinking back to yesterday's events, André felt both regretful and surprised afterward. He regretted that he ultimately couldn't hold back from fighting, but he was surprised by the combat prowess of this body.
Indeed, Óscar's foul yesterday had reminded Marcus of many things from his past life, and it was precisely because of this that he couldn't hold back after González made his move.
After finishing a day of training, when André walked out of the team gates, it was just as Hierro had warned—several reporters were waiting at the entrance. They immediately swarmed him as soon as they saw him come out.
"André, did you suffer some kind of unfair treatment during your time at Castilla?"
"There are rumors of discrimination at Castilla, and that you suffered from it as well. Is there any truth to this?"
"André, it's said you joined Castilla because of your relationship with Cristiano. Is that why you were treated unfairly?"
As the reporters surrounded him, all sorts of leading questions rang in André's ears, and microphones were practically being shoved into his mouth.
André had never encountered such a situation in either his past or present life. Just as he was feeling at a loss, his savior arrived.
"Everyone, everyone, gentlemen of the press, my client has just finished a day of training and is very tired. Please let him go back and rest. If you have any questions, please contact the club directly."
André watched in surprise as his agent, Jorge Mendes, appeared before him, bringing two men to block the reporters before leading him into a car and driving away.
"Mr. Jorge, why are you here?"
"Because I knew my client was in trouble."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jorge. I was impulsive this time and caused you trouble."
"No, no, no, André. I am your agent. This is my job. Besides, I don't think you did anything wrong this time. Neither Cristiano nor I think you were in the wrong."
"Cristiano knows too? Sigh, I promised him I wouldn't fight anymore. Is he very disappointed in me?"
"Hey, kid, weren't you listening? I just said that neither Cristiano nor I think you did anything wrong. André, you're a man. If you hadn't fought back in that situation, then we would think you were wrong. You did very well. Cristiano and I both watched your goals yesterday—they were beautiful, especially that backheel goal. Cristiano even said he might not have been able to pull it off. He also said he definitely wants to recommend you to Mr. Fernando Santos."
"Really? Did he really say that?"
"Of course."
"That's brilliant."
"However, André, do not speak during any interviews you might encounter for a while. I'll be staying in Spain for a bit. This matter is no longer just about you. Many people are using this incident to target Real Madrid, so you must be careful not to be used. Understand?"
"I understand, Mr. Jorge."
"Good. Now, let's get you home. And André?"
"Yes?"
"That hat-trick was incredible. Cristiano is very proud of you."
André smiled.
For the first time since the brawl, he felt like everything might actually be okay.
SUSPENSION SUMMARY:
André: 5 matches (minimum compared to expectations)
Castilla devastated: González (20!), Óscar (10), Luca (8)
Spanish FA sends message: Don't mess with young talents
Hierro's strategy worked perfectly
Media circus continues
But André is protected
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