A Champions League thriller at Anfield between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday was overshadowed by ugly touchline scenes involving Diego Simeone and his staff. Fan footage circulating online appears to show an Atletico backroom member spitting towards supporters after the Argentine coach was sent off late on. Calls are now growing for UEFA to step in and hand down a serious punishment.
Atletico staff member spits at Liverpool fans?
Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a dramatic opening-night Champions League clash on Wednesday night, with Virgil van Dijk scoring yet another stoppage-time winner for the Reds. Tempers flared after the goal, with Simeone and his staff being confronted near the main stand following taunts from fans. During the commotion, one Atletico staff member appeared to spit at supporters in videos shared by Liverpool fans.
AdvertisementLiverpool fans call for immediate ban
Clips shared on social media show the spitting incident occurring just seconds after Simeone was dismissed from the dugout. Stewards were forced to restrain Atletico staff as tensions spilled over in front of the away bench. The video has since gone viral, with supporters across the football community labelling the act “disgusting” and urging UEFA to set an example with their ruling.
Spitting a bannable offence as per UEFA regulation
Spitting is classified as a severe violation under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations and is usually met with strict bans for players. Fans believe that, in this case, an even harsher penalty may be needed given the nature of the act and the potential damage to the game’s image.
Getty ImagesUEFA likely to launch investigation
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will be under pressure to investigate the incident and determine an appropriate punishment. Based on past cases, suspensions for spitting generally range from two to four games, though the fact it involved a staff member may complicate matters. For now, Atletico await news on whether further sanctions will be imposed beyond Simeone’s red card.
