Manchester United is analyzing Old Trafford surveillance footage in an attempt to identify the fans who threw objects at Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Tuesday night.
Following Atleti’s 1-0 Champions League victory over United, Simeone was hit with bottles and other items as he ran down the tunnel. The Spanish team, who advanced to the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate, enraged the home crowd with what they viewed as underhanded tactics.
Manchester United is currently sifting through video from the stadium in an attempt to identify the perpetrators. If discovered, United fans may face a three-year stadium ban for throwing things onto the playing area.
Simeone did not pause to shake hands with Ralf Rangnick or the United coaching staff, instead running to the tunnel in the corner of the stadium. He later admitted that he was unaware of the hatred directed towards him.
As asked about the event, he answered, “No, when I came off the pitch, I sprinted because I was delighted and I like to enjoy it in the changing room.” “I’m not sure what happened.” All I could think of after hearing what you just said was getting into the dressing room, and I was overjoyed.”
Simeone may not have noticed, but Jamie O’Hara, a former Tottenham midfielder, did before condemning those involved. “Can I just mention something about Diego Simeone leaving the field… “Some of you should be ashamed of yourselves, Man United fans,” O’Hara stated on talkSPORT.
“It’s acceptable to throw stuff at the manager as he tries to run down the tunnel. They should be outlawed.
“I’m sick of seeing it, so something ought to be done about it.” Why, now that we’ve returned from Covid and have people back in the stadium, do spectators think they can hurl things at players and managers? It’s not good enough. It’s inexcusable, and it has to end. We need more severe penalties because I’m seeing it far too often.”
The event put a sour cap on a bad night for United, who must now concentrate on finishing in the Premier League’s top four. Rangnick’s team is now in fifth place, one point behind Arsenal, who can expand their lead against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Atleti took the lead in the 41st minute thanks to Renan Lodi’s header, which they never seemed like giving up. United had little success in the final third, with Raphael Varane’s header being saved by Jan Oblak being the closest they came to equalizing.
Rangnick expressed his displeasure with referee Slavko Vinic’s performance as well as Atleti’s time squandering.
He remarked, “There were some weird refereeing decisions, I wouldn’t say pivotal – maybe the one they scored.” “I believe Anthony Elanga was fouled, but the referee and linesman didn’t see it that way.” He (Vinic) made it quite easy for Atlético to engage in their time-wasting shenanigans, and that didn’t help us.”
