UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings following the dramatic events late in Liverpool’s 3–2 UEFA Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid. The controversy arose after a stoppage-time winner from Virgil van Dijk sparked a confrontation on the touchline involving Atlético manager Diego Simeone.
Simeone was shown a red card after being restrained and dragged away from Liverpool fans behind the bench. The Argentine boss later apologised for his reaction but also called for an investigation into the conduct of Liverpool supporters, accusing them of hurling “non-stop abuse” in his direction.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show a bottle being thrown into the crowd, while Atlético are investigating claims that a member of Simeone’s backroom staff spat at fans during the incident.
According to The Athletic, UEFA has charged both Simeone and Liverpool. The governing body will review Simeone’s conduct and has also taken note of the fan-related issues. Both parties will have the opportunity to respond before any potential punishments are confirmed.
Simeone faces the prospect of a touchline ban, with a one-game suspension seeing him miss Atlético’s upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Any longer ban could impact the club’s trip to Arsenal on October 21.
Liverpool could face fines for crowd trouble, with serious misconduct potentially leading to a partial stadium closure.
