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Atletico manager Diego Simeone has voiced regret over the altercation involving Anfield fans—although stated the incident was sparked due to constant “insults” by those home supporters

Following the home side captain the Dutch defender scoring a 92nd-minute winner to seal their thrilling victory, the manager responded when he appeared to be provoked by a home fans

The South American gaffer subsequently protested toward the referee’s assistant as security personnel positioned separating the manager from the Liverpool crowd

The coach had to be pulled back and continued his arguments before Simeone was sent off then walked down the stadium tunnel

In his post-match comments following the game, the 55-year-old stated: “First of all, I regret my reaction. It's clear coaches have a responsibility where we do not have any excuse to respond and it reflects poorly when we do”

But, he also express clear frustration regarding what he termed “abuse for the whole game” from Liverpool’s local fans

He continued: “Coaches are as representatives in which we are public faces, so similar to how we fight to eliminate racism and insults in stadiums, we could equally stand up for bench staff, against abuse we receive during the 90 minutes”

“It’s difficult to work in the dugout we’re placed while hearing insults throughout the entire match. I saw it from a distance following the winner. I turned, the insults carried on, and well, I'm a person”

When asked on what the nature of the abuse had been, Simeone responded: “Honestly is I don’t remember precisely. I’d rather not dwell on that aspect”

“The thing I believe is that I need to keep my position. I must learn to accept how to tolerate everything that happens near the bench, and acknowledge I cannot solve the wider issue”

“What I did is not excusable however do you know what it is like to receive abused throughout the entire game? It is my wish the club can tackle that aspect and ensure if they find the culprits who did that, they receive appropriate action”

This altercation occurred during stoppage time of an action-packed match in which Liverpool found the back of the net twice within the first early stages, through Robertson and the Egyptian forward, after which the Spanish side responded

The midfielder netted twice for the Madrid outfit to equalize the game, but current English top-flight champions who are also current table-toppers regained composure to snatch the winning final goal through Van Dijk’s strong header