Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has called for punishment for fans who threw objects onto the pitch, causing the suspension of their La Liga match against Real Madrid for over 20 minutes. He also suggested that players who incite such behavior should face consequences.
The city derby was halted on Sunday when Atletico fans began throwing objects onto the field, leading the referee to pause the game and send the players to the dressing rooms around the 70th minute at the Metropolitano Stadium.
As Real Madrid players celebrated Eder Militao’s goal in the 64th minute, Atletico Madrid ultras from the Fondo Sur section threw objects at visiting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois alerted the referee, prompting the decision to pause the match.
After the delay, Angel Correa equalized deep in added time, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
In a post-match interview with DAZN Sport, Atletico manager Diego Simeone expressed his view that those responsible for such incidents should be sanctioned by the club. “We don’t need these people. We need supporters who truly back us. They harm the club, but that does not justify the situations that we, as players, create,” he stated.
Atletico defender José María Giménez and midfielder Koke Resurrección approached the fans in the section behind Courtois’s goal to address them directly.
“We all need to contribute,” he stated. “It’s wrong for people to throw those lighters. However, it doesn’t help when we, as players, provoke and undermine the fans, which can lead to their anger.
“People might react poorly, which is not acceptable, but we must strive to remain calm and understand the situation. Celebrating a goal should be done joyfully, not by taunting the stands or making gestures that can incite frustration.
“While their actions aren’t justified, neither is the initial provocation. If we want to avoid always being seen as victims, both the fan throwing the lighter and the player provoking the crowd should face consequences. Without sanctions, there’s no accountability, allowing such behavior to continue.”
An announcement on the stadium’s loudspeaker indicated that the match would be interrupted for 15 minutes, warning that it could be suspended if the situation persisted.
In the early hours of Monday, Atletico Madrid released an official statement revealing that they had identified one fan who threw objects onto the pitch and were collaborating with police to identify others for disciplinary action.
“Atletico de Madrid condemns the throwing of objects from the south stand during the 68th minute of the match against Real Madrid. The club’s security team is actively working with law enforcement to locate those responsible, with one individual already identified,” the statement read.
“The club will implement the internal regulations for very serious offenses against those involved in this incident. Such behavior has no place in football and tarnishes the reputation of a stadium that has hosted an incredible atmosphere with over 70,000 spectators, the vast majority of whom displayed exemplary conduct.”
The interruption occurred a day after the Spanish league announced it would request police action against those behind a social media campaign promoting racist acts against Vinicius Junior during the derby.
This campaign featured a hashtag urging Atletico fans to wear face masks, seemingly to complicate the identification of individuals engaging in racist chants or insults.
Videos on social media captured Atletico fans chanting “Vinicius is different” before the match.
