UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone following his dismissal in last week’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
The Athletic claims UEFA will reprimand the Argentine manager for misconduct following an altercation with Liverpool ‘fans’ at Anfield.
UEFA has also charged Liverpool for failing to control their supporters, who threw objects during the dramatic 3-2 win.
Goals from Andrew Robertson and Mohamed Salah helped the Reds establish an early two-goal lead.
Atletico fought back to restore parity, but a last-minute header from Virgil van Dijk won the game for Liverpool, sparking chaos on the touchline.
Visibly angered by Liverpool fans seated near the away dugout, Simeone approached the same section of the crowd twice and needed to be held back by multiple stewards and his coaching staff.
The 55-year-old appeared to exchange gestures with supporters before referee Maurizio Mariani showed him a straight red card.
Broadcast footage captured further flashpoints. At some point during the pandemonium, Atletico staff clashed with fans while a bottle was launched into the crowd.
One member of the Atletico staff was accused of spitting towards the stands, prompting the visitors to launch an internal investigation to gather an accurate account of the events.
Simeone admitted after the game that his actions were unacceptable, although he claimed that he was repeatedly abused from behind the bench.
He called for Liverpool to take responsibility for identifying individuals involved, but also admitted that it was his duty to keep his composure.
This isn’t the first time Simeone has been in trouble.
He was sent off in the Europa League semi-final first leg against Arsenal in 2018 and watched Atletico’s next few games from the stands.
