Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has reiterated his view that players should be punished for provoking fans, after some supporters threw objects at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Sunday's derby. (More Sports Desk)
Atleti played out a 1-1 draw with their cross-city rivals on Sunday, as both teams maintained their unbeaten starts to ꦺthe season in La♋Liga.
The match was suspended after Eder Militao opened the scoring in the 64th minute, with fans from ultras group Fondo Surꦗ throwing objects including cigarette lighters at Courtois during the visitors' celebrations.
After the game, which saw Angel Corღrea net a 95th-minute equaliser, Atletico's players were heavily criticised for applauding the ultras, while Simeone attract𒈔ed scrutiny for suggesting Courtois' actions contributed to the unsavoury scenes.
Speaking ahead of Atleti's Champions League trip to Benfica on Wednesday, Simeone defend⭕ed those comments as he said: "The other day I didn't shut up, I said something many see. I received million🦄s of messages thanking me for what I said, many are represented in that situation.
"If it was up to me, I would sanction the one who provokes from the place he has a🍌s a protagonist. Now society is very sensitive and we need firmness."
Despite saying some took his comments out of context, the Argentine refused to retracܫt what he said, adding: "I'm calm beca𒆙use I am clear and up front, I like to say what I feel. I wouldn't change anything I said.
"I have said three times that I condemn violence, showed rejection of the aggressors, said that as a club it was a great opportunity to show outwardly what shoulꦆd be done.
"Then I gave aℱn opinion that they twisted and took wherever they wanted. I think it is good for football if that debate is opened up. The other day it was Courtois' turn but it could have been someone else. But peop𒁃le stop at what they want.
"I said one thing and then I gave an opinion and many took the opportunity to have fun between Monday♑ and Tuesday, but now we are thinking about Benfica."
Atletico said on Monday they had banned a person identified as𓂃 taking part in the violenc🦩e and were working with police to identify others, who will also be disciplined.
