Atletico Madrid, UEFA to Probe Liverpool
2 days ago
Atletico Madrid, UEFA to Probe Alleged Spitting Incident in Heated Liverpool Clash
September 19, 2025
Atletico Madrid and UEFA have both opened investigations into a chaotic confrontation during Atletico’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, after video footage appeared to show a member of the Spanish club’s backroom staff spitting toward the crowd.
The flashpoint occurred near the away bench following Virgil van Dijk’s late winner, when Atletico head coach Diego Simeone was shown a red card for clashing with a supporter. Simeone had to be physically restrained as tensions flared.
Liverpool officials have pledged to share CCTV footage and other evidence to assist UEFA’s disciplinary review, while Atletico confirmed to BBC Sport that it will conduct its own internal inquiry but will not comment publicly until the facts are established.
Speaking after the match, Simeone admitted his reaction was ill-advised but said he was provoked.
“It’s never very good when we react as managers,” he noted. “But if there are comments against racism or insults, we can get angry and fight back as well. When they scored the third goal, he [the supporter] turned around and insulted me. I’m human.”
The Argentine coach declined to specify the insults, adding, “I can’t solve society’s problems in one press conference. I have to live with it because it exists everywhere.”
UEFA is expected to review official reports and video evidence before deciding on any disciplinary action against Simeone or other Atletico staff involved in the incident.
