Liverpool face partial Anfield closure as Diego Simeone comments to be investigated
Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in dramatic late style yet again to kick off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night.
Marcos Llorente scored a brace to hand Atletico a shock equaliser after Liverpool flew into a 2-0 lead early on, but Virgil van Dijk had the last laugh as he headed in an injury-time winner.
The goal saw Van Dijk overpower Robin Le Normand, and this sparked scenes of fury from Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who was then sent off after a scuffle with a Liverpool fan.
Simeone has since claimed that a fan insulted him during the 3-2 win for the Reds, and this could raise an issue for Liverpool in a possible investigation.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Liverpool could face partial stadium closure over Diego Simeone incident
Simeone has claimed that a fan constantly insulted him throughout the game, which eventually sparked an altercation which led to his red card at Anfield.
This could become a problem for Liverpool, as they need to investigate what exactly was said to Simeone.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett explained the procedures that could take place after Simeone’s controversial moment, and highlighted what the Argentinian should have done during the game.
“I suggest that if this was a problem, he should have reported it immediately,” Hackett said.
“His first opportunity was to express his concerns to the Fourth Official during the game.
“The fourth official, at an appropriate time, would report the problem to the match referee.
“The match referee would stop the game and liaise with the Ground controller and Safety Steward, and extra security would be put in place to deal with the matter.
“The second opportunity for the manager is at the half-time break, where again he could have easily raised the matter.
“UEFA will investigate and may order Liverpool to close off the seating area around the technical area.
“They will also use the referees’ post-match report and that of the referee to determine the punishment.
“I expect Simeone to face a touchline ban.”
Liverpool need to be wary of fan behaviour at Anfield
During Liverpool’s opening day win over Bournemouth, one fan was ejected from Anfield for allegedly racially abusing Antoine Semenyo, and another fan has now potentially landed the club in hot water.
While a partial stadium closure feels unlikely for now, Liverpool could be at risk of UEFA punishments in the future if fans continue to get carried away and hurl abusive insults at the opposition.
Liverpool’s atmosphere at Anfield on a Champions League night is world-renowned, but incidents like this take the shine off what was otherwise another glorious win against tough opposition.
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