Diego Simeone aims post-derby dig at Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has revealed his take that the wave of abuse aimed at Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois on Sunday was brought about by the goalkeeper himself.

The name of shot-stopper Courtois of course took its place centre stage in the headlines across Spain late last night.

This came after the Belgian was at the heart of a chaotic scene, during the first Madrid Derby of the campaign.

En route to an eventual 1-1 stalemate at the Wanda Metropolitano, midway through the 2nd-half, Courtois was rained down on with projectiles – lighters, keys and more – from the home crowd.

Referee Mateo Busquets was ultimately left with no choice but to bring a halt to the matchup as a result, sending the two sides back to their respective dressing rooms.

Play, in the end, resumed, but the Atlético faithful were heavily criticised for their actions both prior to and after the game’s conclusion.

Speaking to the media in the aftermath of Sunday’s derby showdown, it therefore came as little surprise when both the behaviour of his side’s fans, and the abuse directed at ex-Rojiblancos star Courtois, were put to the aforementioned Diego Simeone.

And the Argentine tactician was characteristically honest with his response, quick to highlight ‘victim’ Courtois’ taunting and celebrations on the back of Real Madrid’s opener as the spark which lit the fuse for the 2nd-half chaos:

“I told Courtois to stay calm. We don’t need those people in the stands. But be careful with those of us who play the victim. You can see when Courtois provokes the crowd and laughs.

“When Courtois was our player, they threw lighters at him in the Bernabeu. You can celebrate the goal, but not by taunting the fans, mocking them, or making gestures. It’s not justified, but neither is what started it.”

Conor Laird – GSFN