Diego Simeone responds to Man Utd fans throwing drinks at him after Atletico Madrid's win

Diego Simeone claims he was not aware Manchester United fans pelted him with drinks following Atletico Madrid’s win at Old Trafford, but the supporters have nevertheless been labelled ‘shameful’ by pundits while UEFA consider punishing the Premier League club.

Simeone led La Liga champions Atletico to a famous victory in Manchester on Tuesday night, with the visitors securing a narrow victory to go through 2-1 on aggregate.

Tempers boiled over on and off the pitch, with United’s players growing increasingly frustrated by Atletico’s tactics and fans aiming abuse at the Spanish side and their manager.

After Atletico Madrid’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals was confirmed, Simeone immediately ran down the touchline in the direction of the tunnel, only to be pelted by a number of drinks and other objects from the home fans.

Asked if he was aware of the missiles thrown by angry United supporters, Simeone said: ‘No, when I came off the pitch, I ran because I was happy and I like to enjoy it in the dressing room.

‘So I don’t know what happened. What you just said, all I was thinking about was getting into the changing room to the dressing room, and I was really happy.’

On Atletico’s performance, Simeone added: ‘I’m happy. So many people work hard so we can have these moments. It was a brilliant effort from the lads, one of our best games this season.

‘We started with a 5-3-2 then changed to a 5-4-1 with Antoine Griezmann on the right of midfield and Renan Lodi growing more and more on the left.

‘Lodi’s doing really well. He had to wait a long time [to get in the side], but football is marvellous because when you train hard and are ready to go, there’s always a chance for you.

‘The defence were brilliant and Jan