Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, has offered his opinions on the events that transpired during last night’s Madrid derby at Civitas Metropolitano. 

There were some anxious moments in the Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid encounter, especially when Real Madrid took the lead. After the score, chaos broke out in the stadium as Thibaut Courtois was targeted by objects thrown from the stands. 

In order to protect Courtois, the referee decided to halt the game for a few minutes. During this break, Simeone and Courtois got into the most intense argument of the evening. 

Simeone thought about what had happened and shared his thoughts after the game. He didn’t think twice to bring up Courtois’ involvement in the escalation and to emphasise how what happened on the pitch may incite the crowd’s emotions.

Simeone’s perspective on Courtois Simeone recognised that although it was wrong for spectators to toss items, players and coaches also had an obligation. 

Simeone said that similar incidents have occurred in the past, even mentioning a time when Courtois was hit by a lighter at the Santiago Bernabeu while playing for Atletico Madrid.

“We must all pitch in. He told DAZN, “The people who threw those lighters are not doing well. It also happened at the Bernabeu when Courtois was our player and he got a lighter on his head.

“However, as the main characters, we most likely don’t help either when we undervalue, burden, or irritate people.”

The Atletico manager emphasised that players need to perform appropriately and with calmness because they are in the spotlight. While it is normal to celebrate a goal, he pointed out that it is not the appropriate course of action to do so by upsetting the supporters, making gestures, or evoking emotions. 

“People have no other choice but to do it in a bad way, which is wrong, but we also need to recognise our role as protagonists, try to maintain our composure, and comprehend the circumstances,”

Simeone made it apparent that although the crowd’s behaviours were inappropriate, the initial acts that caused the tension were also uncalled for. He said there is a part of both parties that has to take responsibility for keeping things cool at such stressful times.

“Celebrating a goal is acceptable, but it cannot be done by staring at the supporters, pointing at them, or pulling faces since that would only incite resentment. 

“It’s not justified, but then again, it’s not justified at all because if it were, we’d always be the victim,” he said.