Spotted: Atletico Madrid staffer filmed spitting at Liverpool fans, new Diego Simeone bust-up footage emerges
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: TNT Sports/Getty)
Aasif Rahman
Thu 18 September 2025 14:51, UK
Atletico Madrid’s night of controversy at Liverpool has taken a new twist with a staff member filmed seemingly spitting at fans during Diego Simeone’s bust-up following the late winning goal.
Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 victory in their first fixture of the Champions League campaign on 17 September at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk’s late winner caused an eruption not only in the crowds but also created chaos on the touchline, as Simeone clashed with Liverpool fans after the goal.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Simeone is set for an extended ban following his actions, with the Argentine subsequently sent off.
Following footage of the bust-up, one supporter involved claimed that a staff member was also part of the confrontation.
A fan involved in the bust-up revealed that the assistant manager of Simeone “came over and spat” at him during the scuffle [via Jonny Poulter on X].
This was circulated later on social media through a different angle of the clash.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
The Atletico manager was furious after being goaded by the supporters following Van Dijk’s winning goal and was sent off for his actions.
The Argentine revealed after the game that there were “insults for the whole game” from the home fans and “regrets” for the part he played [BBC Sport].
It was another frantic contest between the two clubs, with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah scoring inside the opening six minutes, before Marcos Llorente struck twice to level the match at 2-2.
While a point may have been a positive result for the away side, Liverpool’s captain scored in stoppage time to seal all three points.
Ex-FIFA referee Hackett also believes that both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will be investigated by UEFA following the incident.
Liverpool fixturesResultLiverpool vs Everton20 SeptemberLiverpool vs Southampton23 SeptemberCrystal Palace vs Liverpool 27 SeptemberLiverpool fixtures
With the Reds set for another fiery clash on 20 September, Arne Slot has decisions to make regarding his starting XI.
Hugo Ekitike was dropped from the line-up for debutant Aleander Isak, and it remains to be seen whether the two will rotate throughout the season.
Alexis Mac Allister also returned with a cameo off the bench following another underwhelming performance from Florian Wirtz.
Slot may now be forced to decide whether to restore the more dependable midfield setup that guided Liverpool to the title last term, or stick with the current team that continues to pick up results