Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is adamant he did not throw the ball that saw him sent to the stands during his side’s 1-0 victory over Malaga, but insists the referee was right to dismiss him from the touchline
MAdrid: Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is adamant he did not throw the ball that saw him sent to the stands during his side’s 1-0 victory over Malaga, but insists the referee was right to dismiss him from the touchline.
The incident occurred when an extra ball was thrown on to the pitch, seemingly from the Atletico bench, impeding the momentum of the advancing Ricardo Horta. Simeone was sent to the stands after a discussion with referee Antonio Mateu. While the Argentine was blamed for throwing the ball, he suggested it came from elsewhere in the Atletico technical area. However, he was still content to accept the punishment on behalf of his team.
“Clearly the referee made the right decision, it’s what the regulations say,” Simeone said.
“He did what he had to do, expel the coach. (There is) not much more to comment. It was the guy who was on our side, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
It remains to be seen whether Simeone and the club may face further sanctions following the incident.
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