Diego Simeone has pointed the finger at Liverpool supporters for the pivotal moment that decided a fiery Champions League encounter at Anfield, claiming he was provoked by a torrent of abuse throughout the match.
The Atletico Madrid manager was at the centre of a major flashpoint when a flare was thrown from the stands behind his technical area. The Argentine's reaction to the incident caused a significant delay in play, and in the ensuing chaos, Liverpool scored a dramatic late winner.
In a tense post-match press conference, a visibly agitated Simeone did not hold back. He asserted that his response to the flare was a direct result of what he called 'non-stop insults' directed at him and his bench for the entire duration of the game.
'It wasn't the flare, it was the insults,' Simeone stated through a translator. 'For 90 minutes, we had to listen to things that go beyond passion for your team. It is not an excuse, but it is the reason for my reaction in that moment. The atmosphere here is incredible, but there is a line.'
The match-winning goal came moments after play resumed, with Liverpool capitalising on the distracted Atletico defence. The result leaves the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb in the second leg of the tie.
Simeone's comments are sure to ignite further debate about fan conduct and the pressure-cooker environment of elite European football, raising questions about where passionate support ends and unacceptable behaviour begins.
