Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has been handed a one-match suspension by UEFA following his behavior during the Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month. The governing body described his actions as “unsporting conduct.”
The incident came shortly after Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic stoppage-time goal secured a 3-2 win for Liverpool. Tensions boiled over when Simeone clashed with sections of the home crowd, sparking a heated scene that saw stewards intervene. His protests carried on toward the fourth official, eventually earning him a red card and an early exit down the tunnel.
As a result, the 55-year-old will be absent from Atletico’s next European fixture at home against Eintracht Frankfurt. The ban prevents him from being in the dugout, dressing room, or even communicating directly with his players and staff during the match.
Looking back on the incident, Simeone admitted regret over his reaction.
“Firstly, I regret the part I played. We’re in positions where we don’t have the right to react, and it’s never good when we do,” he told reporters after the game.
Although he couldn’t pinpoint the exact trigger, he pointed to the constant insults from the stands throughout the match.
“I couldn’t recall the exact moment, but the abuse continued the whole game. After the third goal, I turned, the insults were still there… and well, I’m human.”
Simeone also called for greater protection for managers from persistent verbal abuse.
“We are standard bearers of the game. Just as we fight racism and abuse in stadiums, we should also fight to protect managers from the insults we endure for ninety minutes,” he added.
Liverpool were not spared either—UEFA issued the club a €4,000 fine after objects were thrown from the stands during the heated contest.
