Sports

Diego Simeone sends message to Liverpool after clash with fan during Champions League defeat

By Chris Davie

Copyright metro

Diego Simeone sends message to Liverpool after clash with fan during Champions League defeat

Diego Simeone approached a Liverpool fan after Atletico Madrid conceded in injury time (beIN Sports)

Diego Simeone was sent off after clashing with a Liverpool supporter during Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 defeat at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Liverpool raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, however, Atletico pulled level in the 81st minute when Marcos Llorente netted his second of the game.

Arne Slot’s side went on to secure three points in their Champions League opener in the second minute of injury time as Virgil van Dijk powerfully headed home a corner from Dominik Szoboszlai.

During the celebrations, Simeone approached a Liverpool fan who was sat in the front row celebrating the goal and was pulled away from the confrontation by several stewards.

The Atletico Madrid head coach was then sent off by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.

pic.twitter.com/Ok2xIku4oq— Follow @bt3 (@mmtv40036) September 17, 2025

It’s understood that Simeone had complained to officials about a Liverpool supporter in the front row who had given him the middle finger.

Asked about the incident after the game, 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.

Diego Simeone was restrained as he attempted to confront the Liverpool fan (Getty)

Diego Simeone claimed the Liverpool supporter had given him the middle finger (Getty)

Diego Simeone was sent off by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani (Getty)

‘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.’

When asked about his conversation with the referee, Simeone replied: ‘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.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.