An incident unfolded in the clash between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) 2025-26. In the 94th minute, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk rose high to head home Dominik Szoboszlai's corner, to give Liverpool a 3-2 win. The header was his second goal in as many games this season, sent Anfield into raptures and left Atletico head coach Diego Simeone fuming on the touchline. Simeone, famously known for his fiery temperament, reportedly squared up to a supporter who had been taunting him throughout the match. Broadcast footage captured the Argentine coach gesturing aggressively towards the stands, twice attempting to confront the individual before being physically restrained by stewards and members of his own coaching
staff.
The electric atmosphere at Anfield turned ugly in the dying moments of Liverpool's thrilling 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, as a mass confrontation near the away bench escalated into potential disciplinary action. Atletico head coach Diego Simeone was sent off with a straight red card after a heated exchange with a home supporter, sparking a melee that involved multiple members of the Spanish club's staff.
The video footage showing one of Simeone's backroom team members spitting towards the crowd, which has reportedly prompted Atletico Madrid to launch an internal investigation and UEFA to review all relevant reports before deciding on sanctions. In a moment of apparent frustration, Simeone was seen raising his middle finger towards the fourth official, which appeared to be directed at mimicking the fan's gesture rather than an independent act of defiance.
Liverpool fan turned around and insulted me after their third goal: Diego Simeone comments post-match
UEFA, European football's governing body, is expected to examine official match reports, referee statements, and any submitted CCTV footage from Anfield before determining if disciplinary measures are warranted. Liverpool FC has pledged full cooperation, offering to provide relevant security camera recordings and witness accounts to support the investigation. Under UEFA's regulations, spitting incidents are treated with utmost severity, often resulting in lengthy suspensions as seen in past cases like the 2021 Euro final where England's Jadon Sancho was fined for a similar act.
Post-match, Simeone was unrepentant in his defense and reportedly said, "When they scored the third goal, he (the supporter) turned around and insulted me. When I turned around, I am a person and I'm human." The Atletico boss, who has managed the club since 2011 and led them to two La Liga titles and two Europa League triumphs, has a history of touchline drama, including previous sendings-off in European competitions.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, in his first European campaign at the helm, sought to reportedly defuse the situation. "Simeone was closer to the situation than me so it is impossible for me to react to that," Slot said. He further added, "It was a great game, the headlines should be about that, not what happened after we scored for 3-2." This incident echoes the infamous 2020 Champions League last-16 clash at Anfield, where Simeone's side infamously knocked out a Jurgen Klopp-led Liverpool in extra time amid a raucous atmosphere.
