The Madrid derby between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on Sunday, September 29, 2024, was overshadowed by an ugly incident involving fan unrest. The game, hosted at the Cívitas Metropolitano, had to be temporarily suspended due to objects being thrown at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The situation escalated after Real Madrid’s opening goal, and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone did not hold back in his post-match comments, directing criticism at both the fans and Courtois himself.
In a match that ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw after a stoppage-time equalizer by Atlético, the focus was less on the football and more on the crowd behavior that brought the game to a standstill. Simeone, a figure synonymous with passion and intensity, found himself caught in the middle of the tension, addressing both his own fans and the actions of the former Atletico player, Courtois.
Fan Misconduct Leads to Suspension
The trouble began after Real Madrid took the lead in the second half with a goal from Eder Militão. Courtois, known for his connections with Atletico Madrid before joining Real Madrid, celebrated the goal by turning towards the home supporters, which did not go down well with the Atletico ultras. Objects, including lighters and bottles, were hurled at Courtois, forcing the referee, Mateo Busquets Ferrer, to halt the match.
As the situation escalated, Atletico’s captain, Koke, and defender Joséma Giménez attempted to calm the fans, but their efforts were in vain. Simeone, along with the referee, also entered the pitch in an attempt to diffuse the tension. Despite multiple warnings from stadium officials over the loudspeaker, the objects continued to rain down on Courtois, leading to a 15-minute suspension of the game.
Simeone’s Comments on Courtois and Fan Behavior
Speaking after the game, Diego Simeone was clear in his condemnation of the behavior from some sections of Atletico’s fanbase, labeling their actions as unacceptable. “We don’t need these people in the stadium. They’re not helping the team, and this is not the image we want for our club,” he said. Simeone made it clear that throwing objects onto the field was not only dangerous but also damaging to the reputation of Atletico Madrid as a club.
However, the Atletico manager also reserved some criticism for Courtois, suggesting that the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s behavior played a role in the escalation. “I told him to be calm, but I also said that [his actions] do not justify this response. Courtois gestured and laughed at the fans, which triggered this reaction. We need to be careful with playing the victim,” said Simeone.
While Simeone did not excuse the actions of the Atletico ultras, he made it clear that Courtois’ provocative celebration was unnecessary and only served to provoke an already volatile situation. “You can celebrate a goal, but you shouldn’t provoke the crowd. Both sides were wrong here,” added Simeone.
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The Role of Courtois in Escalating the Situation
Courtois, who played for Atletico Madrid from 2011 to 2014, remains a controversial figure among the Atletico fanbase after his high-profile move to city rivals Real Madrid. His celebration of Real Madrid’s opening goal by turning and gesturing towards the Atletico fans was seen by many as an act of provocation.
Simeone acknowledged that while Courtois did not deserve to be targeted with objects, his actions contributed to the escalation of the situation. “He went to the fans, gesturing and laughing, and that makes this happen too,” said Simeone, pointing out that Courtois’ behavior was not appropriate for such a high-pressure game.
Simeone’s comments highlight the delicate balance that players and managers must maintain during intense matches like the Madrid derby. The passion and intensity of the fans are part of what makes such games special, but Simeone urged caution, reminding everyone that players have a responsibility to manage their emotions and actions on the pitch.
Atletico’s Equalizer Overshadowed by the Incident
Despite the fan unrest and the temporary suspension of the game, Atletico Madrid managed to secure a dramatic late equalizer in stoppage time through Ángel Correa. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was reinstated after a VAR review, sending the home crowd into raptures. However, the joy of securing a point in such a dramatic fashion was somewhat overshadowed by the earlier crowd troubles.
Simeone admitted that the incident had taken some of the shine off the result, emphasizing the need for everyone involved—players, fans, and staff—to reflect on how such situations can be avoided in the future. “We all have to help,” he said. “The people who threw those lighters are not doing well. But we, the protagonists, probably don’t help either when we provoke people and people get angry.”
The Atletico manager also referenced a similar incident involving Courtois when he played for Atletico, where the goalkeeper was hit in the head by objects thrown from the crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu. “It happened to Courtois at the Bernabéu once when he played for us. It happens, and it will happen again. Should it happen? No! But be careful with playing the victim,” he reiterated.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Calm and Responsibility
As Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid move on from this dramatic derby, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how such incidents can be prevented in the future. Simeone’s call for calm and responsibility from both players and fans is a timely reminder that while passion is an integral part of football, it must be channeled in the right way.
For Simeone, the message was clear: the actions of a few can tarnish the image of an entire club, and it is up to everyone—players, fans, and officials alike—to ensure that the focus remains on the football and not on unsavory incidents in the stands.
With Atletico Madrid’s next fixtures looming, the club will hope to move forward from this episode, but Simeone’s words will undoubtedly resonate: “We don’t need these people in the stadium. We need people who support the team and think about the club.”
