UEFA launch disciplinary action against Diego Simeone after heated Liverpool clash | OneFootball

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone following his dismissal in last week’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Athletic reports that the Argentine manager is set to be reprimanded by UEFA for misconduct following an altercation with Liverpool fans at Anfield.

Liverpool have also been charged by UEFA for failing to control their supporters who were found to have thrown objects during the dramatic 3-2 win.

Goals from Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah saw the Reds establish a two-goal cushion just five minutes into the game.

Atletico fought back to restore parity, with Marcos Llorente scoring on either side of half time but a last minute header from Virgil van Dijk won the game for Liverpool, sparking chaos on the touchline.

Visibly angered by Liverpool fans seated near the away dugout, Simeone approached the same section of the crowd twice and needed to be held back by multiple stewards and his coaching staff.

The 55-year-old appeared to exchange gestures with supporters before referee Maurizio Mariani showed him a straight red card.

Broadcast footage captured further flashpoints. At some point during the pandemonium, Atletico staff were seen clashing with fans while a bottle was launched into the crowd.

One member of the Atletico staff was accused of spitting towards the stands, forcing the visitors to launch an internal investigation of their own to get an accurate version of events.

Simeone admitted after the game that his actions were unacceptable, although he claimed that he was repeatedly abused from behind the bench.

The Argentine head coach called for Liverpool to take responsibility for identifying individuals involved but also admitted that it was his duty to keep his composure.

This wouldn’t be the first time Simeone has been banned from the touchline in European football.

In 2018, he was sent off in the Europa League semi-final first leg against Arsenal and watched Atletico’s following games, including their Europa League final and Super Cup success, from the stands.