The Taunt That Got Diego Simeone Sent Off at Anfield

Diego Simeone celebrating Atletico Madrid's goal at Anfield

A Liverpool fan shares his side of the story after goading Diego Simeone into a reaction that led to a red card. Read more about the incident.

“When he went in and done his press conference after the game, the Spanish media has asked him what was said...”

The Liverpool fan involved in the intense confrontation with Diego Simeone has spoken out, labeling the Atletico Madrid boss a “coward.” Jonny Poulter, the fan at the center of the controversy, claims Simeone lost his cool after Poulter and others taunted him from behind the dugout. This reaction came after Virgil van Dijk's 92nd-minute winner sealed Liverpool's 3-2 victory, sending Anfield into frenzy.

The Incident Unfolds

Poulter alleges that Simeone's assistant coach spat at him during the confrontation, saying, “His assistant manager who came over and spat at me... yeah.” Poulter shared his version of events on social media, stating he didn't say anything racist or mention the Falklands War, but rather shouted “f*** off, we've won” as Liverpool fans typically would. He also jokingly asked if he “got an assist” for Simeone's red card.

Simeone's Response

Simeone expressed regret over his actions but hinted that he was provoked by insults throughout the game. “I'm a person, I'm human,” he said, explaining that he couldn't help but react to the taunts. The Atletico Madrid boss believes there should be consequences for fans who direct abuse at coaches and players. UEFA is reviewing the incident, including an alleged spitting incident by an Atletico staff member, to determine potential charges against the Spanish club.

“Something I want to get off my chest here in regards to what happened last night with Simeone. I think he's a bit of a coward.

“When he went in and done his press conference after the game, the Spanish media has asked him what was said - if it was racist, if it was regarding the Falklands War or all this rubbish.  

“There was nothing racist said by me or anyone else. There was never a mention of the Falklands War by me or anyone else.

“But the fact that he was asked it and he didn't answer the question, and he just got up and walked out, has left it open to speculation for the world. 

“I’ve had messages on every platform of people saying, 'What did you say?' I never said anything apart from, 'F*** off, we've won', as you do.

“That is what he did to us when they scored the equaliser, his assistant manager giving it in front of us. He was getting called a s***house and whatever else. His assistant manager, who came over and spat at me… yeah.”

Just putting it out there. Nothing racist, no mention of any war or slurs of any kind.

Up the reds pic.twitter.com/UnQSblVZhU

— Jonny Poulter (@jonnyplfc6) September 18, 2025

Liverpool's Winning Streak and Upcoming Challenges

Liverpool has maintained a 100% win record across all competitions, with four wins in the Premier League before their Champions League opener. However, relying on late winners might not be sustainable, and the Reds need to elevate their performance, especially with the Merseyside derby approaching against Everton on September 20, 2025. Dropping points at Anfield would be a setback, considering their strong start to the season.