Ex-refs chief: Diego Simeone set for extended ban after Liverpool fan bust-up

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Charlie Grace

Thu 18 September 2025 6:00, UKUpdated Thu 18 September 2025 6:27, UK

Diego Simeone should have known better than to get involved in an altercation with a fan after Virgil van Dijk’s late goal gave Liverpool a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid.

That’s according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Simeone’s experience should have led him to know not to get involved in the incident that led to his red card.

Virgil Van Dijk was the hero late on for Liverpool(Credit Imago)

Simeone must have surely felt his side had fought their way back to earn a tremendous point on the road at Anfield when Llorente’s second goal of the night levelled the tie.

However, more Liverpool late drama from Van Dijk stole the game away, with Reds fans erupting in elation to Liverpool’s fifth-straight late winner.

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Within the fracas, television cameras honed in on Simeone getting into an altercation with a set of Liverpool supporters in the stands, before being pulled away by security.

Ex-FIFA referee Hackett believes that Simeone could be due for some hefty UEFA sanctions after his antics late on.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the referee said: “An experienced football man with years of experience should know better than to confront fans.”

“This promotes conflict and potential crowd disorder and the risk of a surge that is dangerous.

“The referee took the appropriate action in showing the red card in order to help towards resolving the issue.

“UEFA will investigate and I expect that a large fund and suspension will be imposed,” Hackett finished.