Simeone also urged Liverpool to investigate the Champions’ League incident and punish the fan if found culpable.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has revealed why he confronted a Liverpool fan during his team’s defeat at Anfield.
The La Liga outfit were beating 3-2 by the Reds in a Champions League fixture played on Wednesday night.
It took the home team just six minutes to score two goals in the first-half through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.
But Atletico Madrid rallied back and pulled level in the 81st minute after Marcos Llorente scored a brace.
However, Liverpool went on to secure all three points with Virgil van Dijk’s late header from Dominik Szoboszlai cross.
As one of the Reds supporters celebrated his team’s winning goal, Simeone charged towards the fan but was pulled away from the confrontation by several stewards.
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He was later shown a red card for clashing with the Liverpool supporter during the game.
Prior to being sent off, Simeone had complained to officials that a Liverpool supporter in the front row gave him the middle finger.
Speaking after the encounter, the 50-year-old tactician said he confronted the fan because he insulted him throughout the game.
The Argentine went on to urge Liverpool to investigate the incident, adding that the fan should be punished if found culpable.
When asked to explain what transpired Simeone said, “They’ve been talking about being careful, but they’ve been insulting you from behind the bench the whole game and you can’t say anything because I’m the coach.
“My reaction to the insult isn’t justifiable, but you don’t know what it’s like to be insulted for 90 minutes non-stop.
“And of course, when the opponent has just scored, you turn around and they keep insulting you, and with the tension, what happens happens.”
Speaking about his conversation with the referee, he added, “He told me he understood, but I hope Liverpool can improve and if they identify who did that, there will be consequences.
“There have been insults all game and then there was a gesture, but well, the one who has to stay calm is me and put up with everything, insults, gestures, because you’re in a position where it’s your turn.”
