Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has publicly apologised to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and club president Florentino Perez following a heated touchline altercation during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
The Argentine admitted his behaviour “was not appropriate” after being involved in a war of words with Vinicius during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Atletico in Jeddah.
Speaking ahead of Atletico’s Copa del Rey tie against Deportivo La Coruna, Simeone acknowledged he crossed the line.
“I would like to apologise to Mr Florentino and Mr Vinicius,” he said. “It was wrong of me to put myself in that position.”
However, Simeone stopped short of seeking forgiveness, adding: “I apologise, but I do not ask for forgiveness.”
[Movistar reports] lip-readers identified Simeone taunting Vinicius during the second half, telling the winger that Perez was planning to “get rid of” him.
The situation escalated when Vinicius was substituted in the 81st minute, leading to a heated exchange on the touchline and a furious reaction from the Real Madrid bench.
Manager Xabi Alonso was forced to intervene as tempers flared, with Simeone later being shown a yellow card by the referee.
The incident dominated headlines in Spain and came amid ongoing speculation surrounding Vinicius’s future, with his Real Madrid contract running until 2027.
While Vinicius did not score in the semi-final, he found the net in the Super Cup final against Barcelona, though Real Madrid went on to lose 3-2.
Simeone’s apology comes as Atletico return to domestic action sitting fourth in La Liga, while Real Madrid were left to reflect on a disappointing end to their Super Cup campaign.
