Diego Simeone explains furious clash with Liverpool fan and red card – ‘unjustifiable’

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone was sent off after a clash with Liverpool fans when Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner in the Champions League at Anfield

Diego Simeone has addressed his confrontation with Liverpool fans following Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic stoppage-time winner over his Atletico Madrid side.

The Reds’ skipper netted from a corner in injury time to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Premier League champions’ opening Champions League encounter of the campaign at Anfield. The altercation resulted in Simeone receiving his marching orders from the referee, forcing him to observe the final moments from the stands.

The Atletico boss has now offered his version of events during his post-match media briefing. Liverpool enjoyed a perfect opening at Anfield with a fortunate strike from Andy Robertson and a magical Mohamed Salah goal establishing a commanding 2-0 advantage within just six minutes for the six-time winners of the competition.

However, Atletico reduced the arrears moments before the interval through Marcos Llorente, though there were suggestions the goal should have been ruled out for offside. Atletico completed their fightback with nine minutes remaining when Llorente bagged his brace thanks to a deflection. Yet the drama wasn’t over, as Van Dijk struck gold with a header from a corner in the 92nd minute.

This triggered Simeone’s explosive response. During his post-match briefing, he demanded there should be ‘consequences’ for the supporter in question, reports the Mirror.

The Argentine manager, known for his own fiery outbursts, said: “They always talk about taking care of each other, but they insult you throughout the entire match and you can’t say anything because you’re the manager.

“My reaction was unjustifiable, but do you know what it’s like to be insulted for 90 minutes, to turn around after the opponent scores and still be insulted? It’s not that easy.

“[The referee told me] he understood me. I hope Liverpool can improve that aspect and that when they identify the person who did that, there will be consequences.

“There were insults throughout the match, including gestures. It’s clear that I’m the one who has to stay calm, I have to put up with the insults, the gestures and any situation. Because I’m in a position where I have to put up with it.

“I’m not really going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don’t want to get involved in that. I have got to stay in my place, I know what went on behind the manager’s bench.

“I can’t solve society’s problem in one press conference. I have to live with it as it exists all over the place all of the time.”