Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Diego Simeone were involved in a fiery touchline spat on Thursday night, sparked by claims the Atletico Madrid boss told the Brazilian he would soon be shown the door by his club.
Real edged a 2-1 victory over their neighbours in the Super Cup on Thursday, but the post-match press conferences were dominated by the altercation between the Atletico boss and the Brazilian late in the game.
TV cameras had earlier shown Vinicius and Simeone debating a penalty appeal in the first half. And then in the 81st minute and with Real protecting a lead Vinicius, who has not scored in 16 consecutive games, was withdrawn.
After exiting the field, Vinicius immediately looked over and started shouting at Simeone, who had appeared to make a comment in his direction.
Spanish media have reported that microphones picked up the Argentine coach repeatedly telling Vinicius that Real Madrid ‘were going to get rid of him’, referencing reports that the Brazilian could be heading for the Bernabeu door in the imminent future – which the Argentine coach did not later deny.
What followed was an angry exchange as Vinicius was held back by staff and team-mates on the touchline.
After exiting the field, Vinicius immediately looked over and started shouting at Atletico Madrid coach Simeone – who had reportedly told him that Real Madrid ‘were going to get rid of him’
Xabi Alonso said that Simeone had ‘crossed a line’ in his post match press conference
Real head coach Xabi Alonso also became involved, shouting and gesticulating towards the Atletico bench as Vinicius and Simeone were both shown yellow cards.
Alonso criticised Simeone in his post-match press conference, saying that his behaviour had ‘crossed a line’.
‘I didn’t like it,’ Alonso told Movistar. ‘I saw that “Cholo” (Simeone) said something to him. For me, those things cross a line in terms of respect of a colleague… not anything goes.’
Alonso added: ‘I try to be respectful with players of opposing teams. When I saw and heard what (Simeone) said, I liked it even less.
‘What he said isn’t an example of a good sportsman. You have to have respect for your opponents. There’s a limit.’
Simeone however opted to avoid further commmenting on the situation.
‘I don’t have anything to say,’ the Atletico coach said. ‘I always said, since I was a player, things that happen on the pitch stay on the pitch. I have nothing more to say.
‘I respect all of Real Madrid’s players, a lot.’
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And the Brazilian forward has stoked the flames, commenting on Fabrizio Romano’s video of the touchline fracas in Spanish: ‘You (Simeone) have lost another qualifying round’.
Vinicius’ future at Los Blancos is in doubt amid his poor form and a strained relationship with Alonso, with reports saying that talks over a new deal have been stalled since last May
Real ran out 2-1 winners after goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo. And Vinicius Jr stoked the flames in the aftermath of the spat, commenting on Fabrizio Romano’s video of the touchline fracas in Spanish: ‘You (Simeone) have lost another qualifying round’.
Vinicius’ future at Los Blancos is in doubt amid poor form and a strained relationship with Alonso. He last found the back of the net with a brace against Villarreal on October 4 and he has also been whistled by Madrid fans in recent games.
Reports say that talks over a new deal – with his contract up in 2027 – have been stalled since last May.
Madrid’s win means they take part in the Super Cup final for the fifth season in a row, with Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Athletic Bilbao setting up another El Clasico on Sunday, 11 January.
