Real Madrid open disciplinary proceedings against defender over driving under influence of alcohol

Key Points:

• Raul Asencio, once a promising Real Madrid academy defender, has faced a decline in status and was recently caught driving under the influence in Gran Canaria, leading to legal penalties including a fine and an eight-month driving suspension.
• Real Madrid has opened disciplinary proceedings against Asencio, with potential sanctions ranging from salary suspension and fines to possible dismissal, depending on the severity of the offense under the La Liga-AFE agreement.
• Manager Jose Mourinho acknowledged Asencio's professionalism in training but emphasized that off-field behavior impacts both the player's and club's reputation; he confirmed an ongoing club investigation and refrained from commenting on Asencio's immediate sporting future.
• Mourinho also discussed other team matters, including Dani Ceballos' departure by mutual agreement, the inclusion of new signing Sergio Martínez on the bench for the upcoming match against Real Betis, and his views on Lionel Messi’s international retirement and the La Liga title race.
• The coach highlighted the challenge of the Betis match, praised the competitiveness of Atletico Madrid, and reflected on his past managerial experiences and player transfers, including Luka Modric’s arrival at Real Madrid.