Atletico could face UEFA action after ugly scenes against City mar UCL clash
Atletico Madrid could face UEFA action as a result of the series of flashpoints that marred their Champions League game against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
The Spanish champions exited the competition after a 0-0 draw in the Wanda Metropolitano which saw Man City secure a 1-0 aggregate victory, but clashes on the field and in the tunnel after the game between both sets of players overshadowed proceedings.
Atletico’s players did not hold back in their treatment of their Man City counterparts, and Phil Foden was left requiring treatment on a head injury after a strong challenge from Felipe early in the first half.
The Atletico defender was later given a second yellow card for kicking out at the same player, before his team-mate Stefan Savic – formerly of Man City – sparked a melee when he tried to manhandle Foden as he lay injured.
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Savic went on to aim a headbutt at Raheem Sterling and pull the hair of Jack Grealish during the same incident, but both the on-field officials and the VAR opted not to dismiss the Atletico centre-back.
The ugly scenes continued after the final whistle, with footage showing tempers continued to fray as the players headed into the tunnel. Sime Vrsaljko, who was an unused Atletico substitute, was seen throwing a bottle in the direction of Aymeric Laporte, while police reportedly rushed in to calm the scene.
While referee Daniel Siebert only issued one red card on the night, more punishment could follow, with UEFA saying it will wait to receive reports from the referee and match delegate before deciding whether to open disciplinary proceedings.
European football’s governing body could appoint an ethics and disciplinary inspector to fully investigate what happened.
