During the heated encounter, members of Diego Simeone’s coaching team became embroiled in a confrontation with Liverpool supporters seated behind the dugout. One fan’s taunts appeared to trigger an angry reaction from Simeone himself, who received a red card for his behavior on the touchline. But fresh video footage has now brought even more troubling allegations to light.
Clips circulating on social media seem to show an Atletico staff member spitting in the direction of Liverpool fans. The alleged act has been branded “disgusting” by supporters online, with many demanding lifetime bans or even legal charges. “If the roles were reversed, there would be outrage,” one fan posted. Another added: “This is assault—absolutely no place for it in football.”
The condemnation didn’t stop there. Calls for punishment have spread widely, with some urging UEFA to take strict disciplinary action not only against the individual but also the club. “A fine and a long ban are the bare minimum,” one supporter argued.
Spitting is classified as a serious breach of sporting conduct under UEFA regulations, with suspensions for players often ranging from two to four matches. However, this case is unusual because it involves a member of the backroom staff rather than someone directly on the pitch. It remains to be seen how the governing body will respond.
For Liverpool, the night ended in jubilation as Virgil van Dijk’s injury-time header secured another memorable European win. But for Atletico Madrid, the fallout could last much longer than the defeat itself.
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