Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said he regrets getting involved in a clash with Liverpool fans during their dramatic Champions League match at Anfield, but claims he reacted after being insulted throughout the game.
The incident happened after Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner to give Liverpool a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night.
Simeone appeared to be provoked by a small group of home fans, leading him to argue with the fourth official, while stewards stood between him and the crowd. He had to be held back, kept protesting, and was eventually sent off before walking down the tunnel.
Speaking after the match, Simeone, 55, said:
“First of all, I regret what I did. It’s clear that we [managers] shouldn’t react like that, and it’s not good when we do.”
However, he also explained that he was unhappy with the behaviour of some fans.
“There were insults for the whole game. Managers are in a public position, just like players. We fight against racism and other bad behaviour in football, so I think we should also fight against insults directed at managers.”
He continued:
“It’s not easy to stay calm when you’re being shouted at for 90 minutes. After the third goal, I turned around and the insults continued. I’m a human being too.”
When asked exactly what was said, Simeone replied:
“I don’t remember the words. I don’t want to go into it too much. But we [managers] have to accept that this happens all the time. Even though my reaction was wrong, I hope Liverpool can improve this side of things and find the person responsible.”
The match itself was intense from the start. Liverpool scored twice in the first six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, before Marcos Llorente scored twice for Atletico to level the game. Then, Van Dijk headed in the late winner to give Liverpool the three points.