"They talk a lot about creating a great atmosphere, but they insulted me from right behind the technical area, throughout the entire match," Simeone told Movistar after the game on 17/9. "I can’t justify my reaction, but you don’t know what it’s like to endure constant insults for 90 minutes. They insulted me, made gestures, and I had to remain silent because I'm the coach."

A Liverpool fan taunts coach Diego Simeone at the end of Atletico's defeat at Anfield, Liverpool, UK, during the first round of the Champions League on 17/9/2025. Photo: Screenshot

Simeone said the moment Virgil van Dijk scored with a header in added time further escalated the conflict. "I turned around and saw them continuing the insults. And in that tension, what happened was bound to happen," the 55-year-old coach added. "I explained to the fourth official that my reaction was due to provocation. But instead of understanding, I received a red card. I hope Liverpool identifies the person who insulted me and takes appropriate action."

After Van Dijk's goal, Simeone lost his temper and rushed towards a spectator sitting right behind the coaching area to confront him. According to Marca, this person had made an obscene gesture towards him. Security personnel and Atletico's coaching staff had to intervene, pulling Simeone away. However, he continued to argue with the officials and was subsequently sent off by referee Maurizio Mariani.

This isn’t the first time Simeone has clashed with English fans. In 2022, he left Old Trafford amidst a shower of bottles and other objects after Atletico defeated Manchester United in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. UEFA may impose a heavy penalty on the Argentinian coach for this repeat offense. He was also fined 24,000 USD for an inappropriate celebration during a victory against Juventus in 2019.

Aside from the incident at the end of the match, Simeone praised his players. "We were unlucky with the first goal and then found ourselves down 0-2 after just a few minutes," he said. "But the spirit and quality of the players helped Atletico come back. Marcos Llorente played a great game. We tied it 2-2 and only lost because of Van Dijk's excellent header."

Anfield witnessed the most dramatic match of the Champions League opening round. Liverpool took a 2-0 lead after six minutes thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Atletico leveled the score with a brace from Llorente. But the visitors' comeback hopes were dashed by Van Dijk's late winner. This was Liverpool's fifth consecutive victory this season, all coming from late goals.

Liverpool will visit Galatasaray on 30/9 for the second round. Atletico will return home to face Frankfurt, but it's unclear whether Simeone will be allowed on the sidelines.

Compiled by Hoang An