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.
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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.
‘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.’
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