Atlético Madrid bracing themselves for stadium closure after multiple instances of fan trouble by their ultras.
Atlético Madrid will experience a complete or partial stadium shutdown following the fans’ actions on Sunday, which resulted in a 15-minute interruption of their derby against Real Madrid at home, by hurling objects at Thibaut Courtois.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee meets on Wednesday and is anticipated to make Atlético play at least one game behind closed doors or in front of a reduced crowd. According to the state anti-violence commission, actions like the ones that occurred on Sunday must have “severe punishment” applied.
Real Madrid keeper Courtois was the target of an object hurled by Atletico Madrid supporters, who will receive a lifelong ban. This kind of restriction was imposed on one fan on Monday, and enquiries by the police and security services are still underway to find the other offenders.
When fans disregarded requests over the loudspeakers to cease hurling things at Courtois, the game was halted. Mateo Busquets Ferrer, the referee, gave two announcements prior to the teams being taken off the pitch in the 68th minute in accordance with La Liga protocol. Plastic bags, bottles, and cigarette lighters were among the projectiles. The captain, Koke, stated, “I do not feel proud at all as a fan.”
Atlético said on Monday: “The club has taken the decision to permanently expel the person identified by the police in collaboration with our security services yesterday [Sunday]. Our department of security continues to work with the police to identify the rest of those involved in the throwing of objects, all of whom will be permanently expelled as soon as they are located.”
Diego Simeone said on Sunday night that “we do not need these people in our stands”, but he also accused Courtois of provoking supporters after Éder Militão’s opening goal. “We need to be careful with acting the victim – you see clearly that Courtois went towards the fans [gesturing] and laughing, and that makes this happen too,” he said. “[We have to] be careful with what we generate, and I include myself.”