Diego Simeone charged by UEFA as coach alleged to have spat at fans named

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Diego Simeone has now been charged by UEFA for the ugly scenes around his red card in Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Liverpool – which saw a coach appear to spit at fans.Simeone has been charged with unsporting conduct after becoming involved in a confrontation with a Liverpool supporter following Virgil van Dijk‘s late winner last week.The captain headed home in the second minute of stoppage time to secure yet another dramatic victory, which the Atletico head coach did not take well.Having been goaded by Liverpool supporters close to the dugout Simeone had to be held back by stewards as he made his way to confront one particular fan.Shown a red card by referee Maurizio Mariani, the scenes were subsequently investigated by UEFA and the Argentine has now been charged. The Times‘ Paul Joyce reports that Simeone is expected to receive a one-match touchline ban, with Atletico’s next Champions League fixture coming at home to Eintracht Frankfurt next Tuesday.Liverpool have also been charged after supporters were alleged to have thrown objects during the 3-2 win at Anfield.Footage obtained by This Is Anfield appeared to show one of Simeone’s staff spitting at the fan involved in the red card incident.At the time his identity was unclear but he is now revealed to be nutritionist David Lagos.UEFA are yet to charge Lagos but will continue to assess the evidence, while Atletico are conducting their own inquiry into his behaviour.Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar following his side’s late defeat, Simeone explained why he lost his temper in the buildup to his dismissal.“There is a lot of talk about taking care, but they were shouting insults through the whole game from behind the bench, and I cannot say anything as I am a coach,” he said.“Obviously my reaction is not justifiable; I insulted him, but it was 90 minutes of being insulted the whole time.“Then you turn around, when your opponent has scored, and they are still insulting you. It is not that easy. The referee understood the situation. I hope that a team like Liverpool can improve that part.“When they identify the person who did this, it should have its consequences, but he who needs to stay calm and take the insults is me. In my place you just have to take it.”