Why Diego Simeone clashed with Liverpool fans during Champions League defeat

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was shown a red card in stoppage time after clashing with fans in the aftermath of Liverpool’s dramatic late winner.

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The La Liga side endured the same fate as many others this season, undone by another last-gasp strike from the Reds in a thrilling 3-2 Champions League opener.

Liverpool stormed into a 2-0 lead inside the opening six minutes, but Marcos Llorente struck twice on either side of half-time to drag Atletico level heading into stoppage time.

In the 92nd minute, Virgil van Dijk rose highest to nod home the winner, sealing yet another dramatic victory for Arne Slot’s men.

As Anfield erupted, Simeone lost his cool after a supporter celebrated directly beside the dugout, prompting the fiery Atletico manager to confront the fan.

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TNT Sport cameras captured stewards restraining Simeone as his coaching staff rushed in to drag him away from the stands.

The Atletico boss then turned his frustration toward the fourth official, gesturing angrily as he tried to explain the incident.

Once order was restored, the referee brandished a red card, though the exact cause of the heated clash remains unclear. The video of the confrontation shared on X is below:

However, according to Metro Sports, Simeone had protested to officials after a Liverpool supporter seated in the front row allegedly aimed a middle-finger gesture at him.

Simeone speaks on confronting Liverpool fan

Asked about the incident after the game, Simeone said:

‘They’ve been talking about being careful, but they’ve been insulting you from behind the bench the whole game and you can’t say anything because I’m the coach.

‘My reaction to the insult isn’t justifiable, but you don’t know what it’s like to be insulted for 90 minutes non-stop.

‘And of course, when the opponent has just scored, you turn around and they keep insulting you, and with the tension, what happens happens.’

When asked about his conversation with the referee, Simeone replied:

‘He told me he understood, but I hope Liverpool can improve and if they identify who did that, there will be consequences.

‘There have been insults all game and then there was a gesture, but well, the one who has to stay calm is me and put up with everything, insults, gestures, because you’re in a position where it’s your turn.’

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Source: YEN.com.gh