Saturday, November 16, 2024

Atletico sanctioned after Madrid derby trouble

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Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois complained of objects being thrown, leading to the game’s suspension [Getty Images]

Atletico Madrid have been sanctioned with a partial stadium closure and fine after crowd trouble in Sunday’s derby game against local rivals Real Madrid.

The La Liga match was halted for about 20 minutes in the second half after Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained to officials that home fans behind his goal were throwing objects on to the field.

Appeals were made over the stadium loudspeakers for fans to stop throwing objects but they were ignored, prompting the suspension of the game.

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has now ruled Atletico must close the lower south section of the Metropolitano Stadium, where the trouble occurred, for the next three games.

The club have also been fined 45,000 euros (£37,460) for what the body called “very serious” and “totally unacceptable” offences.

The match finished 1-1 after Atletico’s Angel Correa scored a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Eder Militao’s opener.

Atletico have said they have already identified and banned one supporter over the matter.

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