Tensions were high in stoppage time at Anfield on Wednesday night, as Liverpool secured a late winner through Virgil van Dijk against Atletico Madrid. Cameras panned toward the giant Dutchmen, but were quickly diverted to the touchline, where Diego Simeone was keen to give one of the Liverpool fans a piece of his mind.
Simeone was seen approaching Liverpool fan Jonathan Luke Poulter, following a barrage of insults from the latter. The Argentine manager apologised for his behaviour, while noting that a culture change was necessary in the stands. Meanwhile Poulter took to social media to call Simeone a ‘coward’ in the aftermath.
Liverpool at risk of UEFA sanction
According to MD, Liverpool could be held responsible for the actions of Poulter and the rest of the fans. UEFA regulations state that clubs and associations can be held responsible for “the use of gestures, words, objects, or any other means to convey a provocative message that is not appropriate for a sporting event, particularly provocative messages of a political, ideological, religious, or offensive nature.”
La lupa no perdona:
🤬 El hombre que insultó y provocó a @Simeone. #LaCasaDelFútbol #UCL pic.twitter.com/79IH87ii9w
— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 17, 2025
They say that any punishment will hinge on what the UEFA matchday delegate includes in his report on the game, and that if there is one to be meted out, would be a fine. There is also a risk of a partial stadium closure, although this would likely be a suspended sentence for two years.
🚨 JUST IN: Atlético Madrid are set to launch an internal investigation into the incident of the back room staff spitting on a Liverpool fan.@BBCSport pic.twitter.com/lrfS9aUrBu
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) September 18, 2025
Atletico Madrid action
Simeone is likely facing a suspension for his actions, although it would be between one and three games in all likelihood, after being sent off following his words with Poulter. Meanwhile both Los Colchoneros and UEFA have launched investigations into reports of alleged spitting from nutritionist David Lagos towards the Liverpool fans. Atletico Madrid are back in action against RCD Mallorca this weekend on Sunday afternoon (16:15 CEST).
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F09%2Fimago1066218364-1-1-68c6c3aa6821c789205783.jpg?w=120&resize=120,86&ssl=1 "Slot drops huge Isak Liverpool debut hint as costly Wissa")
