Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has been slapped with a €20,000 fine for his bizarre crotch-grabbing celebration against Juventus .
The Argentinian was charged with improper conduct after his enthusiastic celebration following Jose Gimenez’s opening goal in their 2-0 win last month.
He has now been hit with a fine but will be allowed in the dugout for the second leg of their showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side in Turin next Tuesday.
The 48-year old apologised for the gesture immediately after the match, insisting it was directed at his own fans to show his team “have balls” after he came in for criticism.
(Image: Angel Martinez)
“It means we have balls, a lot of balls,” Simeone told reporters after the first leg.
“To start [Diego] Costa and Koke after they hadn’t played for a month takes balls.
“I did it as a player in Lazio-Bologna and I did it again to show our fans that we have cojones.
“It wasn’t aimed at the other team, I was turning towards our own supporters.
(Image: REUTERS)
“It’s not a nice gesture, I’ll admit, but I felt the need to do it. It was such a tough game, we fought so hard and Diego Costa worked really hard when he wasn’t 100 per cent fit. I had to show what I was feeling.
“I can only apologise if anyone was offended, but I did it from the heart.”
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body sanctioned Simeone, whilst Atletico have also been fined €38,000 for breaching regulations relating to blocking stairways and throwing objects in the first leg.
(Image: REUTERS)
Juventus also received a fine and a warning after the controversial first-leg clash kicked off late.
Atletico are in the driving seat ahead of the return fixture at the Allianz Arena, but the Serie A league leaders are still in contention and expected to launch a bold bid to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
