Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has maintained his view that players who provoke fans should be punished after some home fans threw objects at visiting Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Sunday's derby. which was suspended.
When the Real players celebrated Éder Militão's first goal in the 64th minute, the Atlético Fondo Sur ultras, who are in the lower south stand, threw objects at the Belgian Courtois, who alerted the referee, thus ending the match. temporarily stopped.
The match resumed after a delay of more than 20 minutes and Ángel Correa tied 1-1 in added time, after which the Atlético players went to the south stand and applauded the ultras, which was harshly criticized.
Simeone had to weather the storm after saying on Sunday that players “must be responsible” and “take things calmly while celebrating” because “people get angry.”
His comments suggested that Courtois's gestures towards the ultras caused problems and that players who behave in that way should be punished.
“The other day I didn't shut up, I said something that many see. I received millions of messages thanking me for what I said, many are represented in that situation,” he told reporters before Wednesday's Champions League match against Benfica.
“If it's up to me, I will sanction whoever provokes from the place where he is the protagonist. Now society is very sensitive and we need firmness.”
Despite saying he was misunderstood, Simeone insisted he would not change anything he said.
“I'm fine and I'm calm because I'm clear and direct, I like to say what I feel. I wouldn't change anything I said,” added the Argentine.
“I have said three times that I condemn violence, I have shown rejection of the aggressors, I have said that as a club it was a great opportunity to show outwardly what should be done.
“Then I gave an opinion that they twisted and took where they wanted. I think it's good for football if that debate is opened. The other day it was Courtois' turn but it could have been someone else. But people stay with what they want. .
“I said one thing and then I gave my opinion and many took the opportunity to have fun between Monday and Tuesday, but now we are thinking about Benfica.”
Atlético said Monday that it had banned an identified person from throwing objects and was working with police to identify other people, who will also be sanctioned.
