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UEFA has reportedly charged Diego Simeone following his altercation with supporters at last week’s Champions League encounter against Liverpool.
The Atletico Madrid head coach clashed with home fans after Virgil van Dijk netted his injury-time winner on the opening night of Champions League action. Simeone was seen gesturing at the fans behind the away dugout and, after being separated by stewards, attempted to re-engage with the supporters seconds later.
As per The Athletic, Simeone has now been charged by UEFA in the wake of the incident that saw him sent off. The report also reveals that Liverpool has been charged after its fans were seen to be throwing items in the direction of Atletico staff.
Online footage appeared to show one member of the Atletico bench spitting at the home supporters, and that allegation remains under investigation.
The incident added to the drama on a chaotic night at Anfield when Liverpool took the lead via Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, before Marcos Llorente’s brace saw Atletico draw level.
Van Dijk’s winning goal sparked the touchline melee, and Simeone was apologetic for his actions after the game.
“Firstly, I regret the part I played,” said the Argentinian after the game. “It's clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.
“We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.
“It's not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I'm a person.”
Simeone could not give specifics on what insults he received from the home fans, but added: “My reaction isn't justifiable but do you know what it is like to be insulted for 90 minutes?
“I hope Liverpool can improve that aspect and that when they identify the person who did that, there will be consequences.”
Simeone will presumably not be on the touchline when Atletico hosts Eintracht Frankfurt in its next Champions League game.
Meanwhile, Liverpool faces a daunting trip to Galatasaray in the second round of league phase fixtures.
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