Latest Liverpool news and gossip as ECHO writers debate what could happen next after Diego Simeone's red card against the Reds in the Champions League
Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone could face further punishment following his red card in the Champions League clash with Liverpool. The Reds needed a stoppage time winner from Virgil van Dijk to record a 3-2 win in the Champions League opener on Wednesday evening.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the goal from the Liverpool captain, Simeone was shown a red card by referee Maurizio Mariani. The Atletico boss was given his marching orders after a heated argument in the crowd at Anfield which forced stewards to intervene.
After a confrontation with the fourth official, Simeone eventually walked down the tunnel towards the Atletico dressing room. UEFA rules state that Simeone could be handed a one-game touchline ban after receiving a red card.
Here at the ECHO, we have debated what should happen next for Simeone after the incident.
Mark Wakefield
Emotions are always going to run high in a Champions League fixture, especially when a last-minute goal is scored by any team. In this case, Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone were on the receiving end of another Anfield classic.
Simeone being shown a red card is likely to lead to a one-game touchline ban for the Atletico boss, although there is the scope for a harsher punishment should UEFA deem it necessary. Without knowing what was said and by whom, it's difficult to say whether a one-game ban is the fairest outcome.
If Simeone is on the touchline for Atletico's next Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, though, I would be quite surprised.
Daniel Orme
There’s not getting away from it, Simeone’s touchline conduct was not good enough. You simply can’t do what he did and expect not to be reprimanded. His red card was justified.
But do the authorities need to go overboard with his punishment? Probably not. A touchline ban should suffice, and given how passionate the Argentine usually is in his technical area, that’s the only punishment he really needs in my opinion.
How long should that ban be? A few Champions League games potentially. Make him miss their first home European game of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as the trip to Arsenal. Will that make him learn his lesson? Again, probably not - this is Simeone we’re talking about here.
Matthew Abbott
A suspension for Simeone appears the least of Atletico's worries as further footage from the incident continues to emerge on social media. The head coach goes to confront a fan, for sure, but the interaction remains verbal only thanks to several stewards.
However, other members of his coaching staff seem set to receive more significant punishment. One appears to throw an open water bottle, albeit underhanded, into the crowd, and then seems to spit in the supporters' direction after coming back across for more.
As such, it could, and should, be a skeleton staff on the sideline for their first home match of this season's competition later this month when they host Eintracht Frankfurt. One game should suffice for Simeone, though - we wouldn't want Arsenal gaining any advantage when they host Atletico in October!
Jake Stokes
Diego Simeone should get no more than a one-match ban, as per UEFA rules. There's no need to go overboard or issue any unreasonable further punishments. The red card was justified, it's as simple as that.
Emotions run high. Tempers flare. Red mist descends. It happens. We all love to see these sort of moments. The Atletico Madrid boss wears his heart on his sleeve, and that's partly what makes him – and his side – so great to watch.
At the end of the day, Simeone isn't a robot and it would be a disgrace if UEFA went out of their way to discipline him. Imagine how boring it would be if managers were perfectly behaved, didn't leave their technical area and suppressed any display of personality.
Kieran Horn
Simeone is absolute box office and a great person to have in football but it is fair to say he went too far after Liverpool's last-gasp winner against Atletico.
That does not excuse the conduct of Liverpool supporters, but Simeone certainly knows better and someone in his position simply cannot react. His comments regarding the incident in a press conference indicate he wants things to change but the fact he also admitted to making a mistake shows he was in the wrong.
A minimum one-game touchline ban and perhaps a small fine is acceptable in this case unless alternative footage shows otherwise.
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