Atletico's Simeone reaffirms view that players who provoke fans should be punished

LISBON : Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has stuck by his view that players who provoke fans should be punished after some home supporters threw objects at visiting Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in Sunday's derby, which was suspended.

When Real's players celebrated Eder Militao's opener in the 64th minute, Atletico ultras Fondo Sur, who are located in the south lower stands, threw objects at Belgian Courtois, who alerted the referee, with the match temporarily halted.

The game resumed after a delay of more than 20 minutes and Angel Correa equalised deep into added time in the 1-1 draw, after which the Atletico players went towards the south stands and applauded the ultras, which was heavily criticised.

Simeone had to weather the current storm after he said on Sunday that players "must be responsible" and "take it easy while celebrating" because "people get angry"

His remarks suggested that Courtois' gestures towards the ultras caused the problems and that players who behave in such a manner should be punished.

"The other day I didn't shut up, I said something many see. I received millions of messages thanking me for what I said, many are represented in that situation," he told reporters ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match at Benfica.

"If it is up to me, I sanction the one who provokes from the place he has as a protagonist. Now society is very sensitive and we need firmness."

Despite saying he was misinterpreted, Simeone insisted he would not change anything he said.

"I am doing good and I'm calm because I am clear and up front, I like to say what I feel. I wouldn't change anything I said," added the Argentine.

"I have said three times that I condemn violence, showed rejection of the aggressors, said