What Did Courtois and Simeone Say During Their Discussion?
The Argentine coach approached the Belgian goalkeeper, and there was an exchange of words. This is what happened during that moment of tension.
The recently dubbed "derby of shame" unfolded not only on the pitch but also in the aftermath of the match. Atlético Madrid coach Diego Pablo Simeone expressed his dissatisfaction with Thibaut Courtois’s behavior during the game, specifically after the Belgian goalkeeper celebrated Real Madrid's opening goal by turning towards the stands, where he had just endured chants of “Courtois, die.”
Simeone criticized Courtois for adopting a provocative stance, which he believes heightened the tension in an already charged atmosphere. The match was interrupted for 17 minutes due to the throwing of objects from the stands, reflecting the hostility present among some fans.
When referee Busquets Ferrer urged the players to head to the tunnel, Simeone approached Courtois to reprimand him for his actions amid the mounting tension. The Argentine coach clapped for him and gave him thumbs-up gestures, clearly ironic in nature.
According to AS, Courtois defended his behavior, responding, “What did you want me to do, just stand there with everything they were throwing at me?” referring to the objects hurled in his direction.
The Argentine coach suggested that the situation might have been diffused had Courtois taken the goal kick more quickly, allowing the game to continue without interruption. The incident underscores the charged atmosphere surrounding this derby, which has seen emotions run high both on and off the field.