Diego Simeone admits clash with Liverpool fans ‘unjustifiable’ | OneFootball

Diego Simeone revealed that his confrontation with Liverpool fans on Wednesday night was sparked by “insults”, but admitted that his actions were “unjustifiable”.

His Atletico Madrid side almost came away with a point from their Champions League opener at Anfield after coming from two goals down to level matters in the second half.

But, as they have done in every game they have played so far this season, Liverpool conjured up a late winner; on this occasion it was Virgil van Dijk who decided the contest with a 92nd-minute header from a corner.

The goal sparked scenes of jubilation among the home supporters, but it also resulted in a touchline fracas, as Simeone could be seen engaging in a furious exchange with fans close to his technical area.

Stewards intervened to break up the flashpoint before the Atleti manager was sent off by referee Maurizio Mariani.

“When they scored the third goal he turned around and insulted me,” he said. “I’m a person, I’m human.”

Diego Simeone admits clash with Liverpool fans ‘unjustifiable’

Elaborating on the incident, Simeone added: “They were shouting insults through the whole game from behind the bench and I cannot say anything as I am a coach.

“Obviously my reaction is not justifiable, I insulted him. But it was 90 minutes of being insulted the whole time then you turn around, when your opponent has scored, and they are still insulting you. It is not that easy.

“I am not really going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don’t want to get into that discussion. I know what went on behind the manager’s bench. I cannot solve society’s problems in one press conference. I have to live with it because it happens all the time.”

Simeone added he hoped Liverpool would take action. “I hope that a team like Liverpool can improve that part,” he said.

“When they identify the person who did this, it should have its consequences.

“But the person who needs to stay calm, and take the insults, is me. In my place you just have to take it.”

Read – Our Champions League predictions as competition returns

See Also – Five who played for both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid

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