Diego Simeone has revealed that his aversion to post-match handshakes was behind his decision to snub Jurgen Klopp in 2021, as the Atletico Madrid manager found himself at the centre of another controversy involving Liverpool.
The Argentine was sent off during Atletico's 3-2 Champions League defeat at Anfield on Wednesday after a furious exchange with home supporters following Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner. Security staff had to restrain the 55-year-old as he attempted to confront fans.
Simeone's behaviour revived memories of the 2021 tie at the Metropolitano Stadium, when he refused to shake Klopp's hand after the match. Criticised by the German at the time, Simeone said: 'I don't like the handshake greetings after the match. I know in the UK it is a custom, but I don't share it and I don't like the falseness.'
After the latest incident, Simeone claimed he had been subjected to constant abuse from the Anfield crowd. 'They insult you throughout the entire match, and you can't say anything because you're the manager,' he said. 'My reaction was unjustifiable, but do you know what it's like to be insulted for 90 minutes?'
The match itself saw Liverpool race into a two-goal lead through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, only for Marcos Llorente to equalise before Van Dijk's decisive header sparked the heated scenes.
