“You can celebrate the goal, but not by taunting the fans” - Diego Simeone weighs in on fans throwing lighters at Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois
Diego Simeone has shared his thoughts on Atletico Madrid fans throwing things at Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid derby on Sunday, September 29. The La Liga clash at Wanda Metropolitano ended in a 1-1 draw.
Atletico Madrid hosted their city rivals hoping to break their 39-game unbeaten streak in the league. They were the last side to beat them in the league at Wanda Metropolitano last season. However, after a goalless first half, Real Madrid took the lead in the 64th minute from a deflected Eder Militao strike via Vinicius Jr's assist.
A couple of minutes after the goal, some Atletico Madrid fans threw lighters, among other things, at Thibaut Courtois, who was on that side of the pitch. After the Belgian informed the referee, the match was halted for around 15 minutes as both sets of players went in. Some Atleti players and manager Diego Simeone tried to calm their fans down.
After the game, Simeone said about the incident (via Madrid Xtra):
“You can celebrate the goal, but not by taunting the fans or making gestures. It’s not justified, but neither is what started it.”
He also demanded punishment for such fans, saying:
“The club must not allow these things to happen. The club should decide if they come to the stadium, it’s not good for us. The one who throws, doesn’t come again and also sanction those who look to the fans.”
The match resumed after a while as Angel Correa went on to equalize in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Meanwhile, Marcos Llorente was sent off for a poor tackle on Fran Garcia.
Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid's away form this season after Atletico draw
Real Madrid are still unbeaten this season but have drawn three of their eight games in La Liga so far. They have won all four games at the Santiago Bernabeu but have won just one away from home - Real Sociedad at Anoeta. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw at Mallorca and also drew 1-1 at Las Palmas.
Following the draw against Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about his side's away form. He answered (via Managing Madrid):
“I focus on the positives. We’ve taken a point against a good team. We’re in good form. We’re already thinking about Wednesday.”
Real Madrid stayed second in the league table and are three points behind leaders and rivals Barcelona. They will next face LOSC Lille Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 2.