Simeone Fires Back at Liverpool After Explosive Anfield Clash: "This Must Stop Now!"
Atlético Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone has called for Liverpool to investigate a supporter who allegedly subjected him to "continuous verbal abuse" during Wednesday's Champions League encounter.
A last-minute header from Virgil van Dijk secured a thrilling 3–2 victory for Liverpool and triggered a sideline confrontation that led to Simeone receiving a red card, having already been cautioned earlier for his animated conduct.
Simeone had to be restrained during a dispute with a spectator who he alleged had been verbally attacking him throughout the match, and he urged Liverpool to take action against the fan's behavior following the final whistle.
"They talk about putting on a great spectacle, but they abuse you from behind the dugout for the entire match, and you cannot respond because I am the manager," Simeone stated. "My response to the abuse cannot be justified, but you don't understand what it feels like to be verbally attacked continuously for 90 minutes.
"And naturally, with the opposition scoring at the death, you turn around and they continue abusing you, and with the pressure, what occurs is what occurs. [The referee] said he comprehended, but I trust Liverpool can do better and if they can identify the perpetrator, there should be repercussions.
Simeone: It's Not Simple to Endure Abuse
"Just as we combat racism, we should also address this, because [coaches] don't have the privilege to respond, and it's not simple to be surrounded and abused throughout the entire match. And I am human.
"There has been verbal abuse all game, including offensive gestures, but I'm the one who must remain composed and tolerate everything, the abuse and gestures, because I hold this role."
He continued: "I am not really going to discuss the specific details of the abuse. I don't wish to enter that conversation. I understand what occurred behind the manager's area. I cannot resolve society's issues in a single press conference. I must accept it because it occurs constantly."
UEFA is waiting for the referee's official report regarding the incident before determining any potential sanctions for either Simeone or Liverpool.
A red card usually results in a one-match competition suspension, which would prevent Simeone from being on the sideline for Atlético's upcoming Champions League match against Frankfurt. Any additional punishment would see the manager miss his team's following away fixture at Arsenal.