Atletico Madrid has taken decisive action following a troubling incident during the recent Madrid derby against Real Madrid, where fans disrupted the match by throwing objects onto the field. The club announced a lifetime ban for one fan identified as having thrown projectiles at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and they are actively working to identify additional offenders.
The derby, held at Atletico’s Estadio Metropolitano, was halted for 15 minutes after home fans threw various items, including lighters and bottles, at Real Madrid players. The match resumed after Atletico equalized with a last-minute goal from Ángel Correa, ending in a 1-1 draw.
Atletico’s security team is collaborating with law enforcement to identify all individuals involved in the incident. The club expressed its commitment to eradicating violence and maintaining the integrity of the sport, stating, “Our security department continues to work with the police to identify the rest of those involved, who will be permanently expelled as soon as they are located.”
In response to this incident, Atletico Madrid announced immediate changes to their internal regulations as the club will now ban any clothing or items that obscure a person’s identity within the stadium. This includes masks and balaclavas that fans might use to hide their faces.
“Fans found violating this new rule will face immediate expulsion from the stadium”, the statement read.
Atletico reiterated its stance against such behavior, emphasizing that it damages the reputation of their stadium and the majority of fans who conduct themselves appropriately. They stated, “Such behaviors have no place in football.”
Both the Spanish government and La Liga have condemned the actions of the fans. The disciplinary committee is expected to meet soon to discuss potential sanctions against Atletico Madrid, which could include a full or partial closure of their stadium for future matches.
Atletico’s head coach, Diego Simeone, condemned the actions of the disruptive fans but also noted that some Real Madrid players had provoked them. He stated, “We do not need these individuals in our stands,” highlighting the need for accountability among supporters.
