DIEGO SIMEONE was sent off after arguing with a fan in a dramatic end to Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.
The Spanish side had fought back from 2-0 down to be level with the Premier League champions at Anfield.
However, a 92nd-minute Virgil van Dijk header had seen Arne Slot’s team take the lead in dramatic fashion.
And hot-headed Diego Simeone appeared to take issue with one fan in the Anfield crowd behind the dugout.
The Argentine was seen trying to confront one fan who could be seen joyously celebrating the winner.
Stewards were seen holding back Simeone before pulling him away.
Simeone was then seen gesturing towards an official about the incident.
However, the 55-year-old was then shown a red card by the referee following a discussion with the fourth official about the fan’s actions.
It is not currently clear what sparked the confrontation.
Simeone lifted the lid on the incident from his point of view, saying: “They always talk about care, about respect… but they insult you from the crowd all game.
“I can’t say anything back because I’m the coach. My reaction is not justifiable. But after 90 minutes of insults it’s not easy.
“The referee told me he understood the situation. I hope Liverpool can improve on this part and that when they identify the person responsible, they are punished.”
Asked about the insults, he added: “Insults all game long. And gestures too.
“But I am the one who has to stay calm, and I have to put up with the gestures, the insults, in any situation.
“Why? Because I’m in a position where I have to put up with it.”
Liverpool threatened to run riot after quick-fire goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah within six minutes.
But Liverpool nemesis Marcos Llorente struck in first-half added time to hand Madrid a lifeline.
Llorente then scored again in the 81st minute to put the sides level.
It appeared Madrid might escape from Anfield with a point in the Champions League opener.
However, Reds skipper Van Dijk dashed those thoughts as he slammed home a header.
It is yet another game this season Slot’s relentless Reds have won late on.
Liverpool have maintained a 100 per cent win record across all competitions, with four wins in the Premier League before their Champions League opener.
But every single one of these games has been won with a late strike, with their earliest winner so far coming in the 83rd minute – Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunner against Arsenal.
Last weekend Liverpool needed a 95th-minute Salah penalty to squeeze past Burnley.
The Merseyside derby at Anfield is up next for the defending champions in the league.
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