The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has handed Atletico Madrid a significant 45,000 fine and ordered a three-game partial closure of their Civitas Metropolitano stadium following incidents during a city derby. This came after supporters aggressively threw objects at Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, leading to the suspension of the match in the 68th minute. The decision underscores the persistent issues of fan misconduct and the ongoing investigations into separate allegations of racism within the sport.
Despite Atletico's efforts to identify those responsible for the disturbances, the RFEF's competition committee emphasized that retrospectively identifying culprits was insufficient. They noted that due to the intense rivalry between the clubs, Atletico Madrid must enhance measures to ensure the safety and proper conduct of fans, indicating that past penalties had not effectively addressed the issue of supporter behavior.
Club manager Diego Simeone expressed dismay at the disruptive actions of the fans, asserting, 'We do not need these people in our stands,' though he also implied that Courtois had provoked the supporters during the match. This statement reflects a broader context of tension in derby matches and the challenges of maintaining decorum among passionate fanbases.
The RFEF's decision to impose financial penalties and stadium closures indicates a strong stance against violence and discrimination in football. With the club facing a potentially more significant punishment pending an investigation into allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior, it illustrates the ongoing efforts to combat toxicity in the sport and promote a more respectful environment.
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