Atletico Madrid and UEFA will reportedly launch an investigation into the heated clashes that overshadowed Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League win at Anfield. Atletico boss Diego Simeone was shown a red card following a heated exchange with a Reds fan on Wednesday night after Virgil van Dijk's late winner. Now, a probe will look into an Atletico employee appearing to spit into the crowd.
UEFA to investigate Anfield spit-gate
Following Van Dijk's stoppage-time winner in their Champions League opener, Simeone was dismissed following a melee close to Atletico's bench. Footage appears to show one of his team spitting into the crowd, and now the Spanish side and UEFA will review this, with the latter potentially taking disciplinary action.
AdvertisementZiggo SportSimeone explains furious outburst
The Argentine said after the match: "It's never very good when we react as managers, is it? But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well, managers. When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I'm human.
"I'm not going to get into the exact nature of the insults. I don't want to get involved with 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 problems in one press conference. I've got to live with it because it exists all over the place."
Atletico boss regrets actions against Liverpool
Simeone also said that he regretted clashing with Liverpool supporters after seeing his side coming from 2-0 down and then equalise, only to come away with nothing at the death.
The 55-year-old said: "Firstly, I regret the part I played. 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."
AFPWhat next for Atletico and Liverpool?
It remains to be seen if Atletico, Simeone, or Liverpool fans will be punished for what transpired at Anfield this week. Next up, the Reds host bitter rivals Everton in the Premier League on Saturday in the latest edition of the Merseyside derby.
