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Atletico gaffer Simeone has voiced remorse over the altercation involving Anfield supporters—although insisted the incident was sparked due to constant verbal abuse from those local fans

Following the home side captain Van Dijk netting an late match-clincher in their thrilling win, El Cholo reacted when Simeone appeared was provoked by a home supporters

Atletico’s Argentine coach then protested toward a referee’s assistant with stewards intervening separating the manager and the home fans

He was escorted away and continued his arguments before he eventually sent off then walked into the tunnel

Addressing the media following that game, the Atletico boss commented: “First of all, I am sorry about the part I played. It's clear we are in a position in which we do not have any excuse to react and it is not good if we do”

But, Simeone went on to express his displeasure about what he described as “taunts throughout the entire match” by the home fans

He added: “Managers are in a position where we are standard-bearers, therefore in the same manner that we fight to eliminate discrimination or insults at grounds, we should equally stand up on behalf of managers, against abuse we receive during the whole game”

“It’s challenging to stand in the dugout we occupy and receive insults for all 90 minutes. I noticed the situation from the bench after the third goal. I looked back, the jeering persisted, and well, I'm a person”

After questioned further on the exact content of the insults were, he answered: “Frankly I must say I don’t recall exactly. I prefer not dwell on those details”

“The thing I feel is I need to maintain my composure. I need to know how to tolerate all that unfolds near the dugout, and acknowledge I’m unable to change the wider issue”

“What I did isn't acceptable however can you imagine what it is like to get insulted throughout 90 minutes? I would urge the club can tackle that aspect and that if they identify the culprits responsible, they face consequences”

This altercation took place in the finale of a action-packed contest in which Liverpool netted twice within the first six minutes, through the left-back and Mohamed Salah, before Atletico responded

The midfielder netted two goals for Atletico to level the game, however the reigning English top-flight title holders and current table-toppers rallied to snatch the crucial final goal via the captain’s powerful header