Simeone tells Mourinho to respect referees after Madrid derby row

Diego Simeone has urged Jose Mourinho to show greater respect towards referees after the Real Madrid coach criticised officials following a controversial Madrid derby.

Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano, but the result was overshadowed by a series of disputed refereeing decisions.

Mourinho was particularly angered by Dean Huijsen’s red card. He also questioned why Atletico Madrid players had not been dismissed for challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.

The Real Madrid manager used images of the incidents during his post-match news conference to underline his complaints.

Asked about Mourinho’s comments, Simeone initially offered a brief response.

“Nothing to say,” said the Atletico Madrid manager.

He later gave a fuller explanation, saying coaches must recognise the responsibility that comes with their public positions.

“We respect everything others say, but we have to understand that Flick, Mourinho, Pellegrini, Simeone, we are in a privileged position, with enormous exposure as coaches, and we have to be careful with what we say,” Simeone said.

“We have to know how to respect the referee and our fellow professionals.

“When someone crosses that line of respect, whether your name is Mourinho, Simeone, Flick or Pellegrini, it isn’t right. You shouldn’t cross that line.”

Simeone also said Atletico Madrid should not become too focused on individual decisions made during the match.

“Sometimes they benefit you, other times they go against you,” he said.

“The head of the referees explained that Cuti’s incident wasn’t a sending-off. I’m not going to go into the details.

“What I do understand, from the positions we occupy, is that respect for referees, regardless of whether I benefited today, is something we have to maintain, because otherwise anything goes.”

The Atletico Madrid manager was then asked directly about Mourinho and made clear that he did not believe his comments could be excused because of his identity.

“Not everything is acceptable, no matter if your name is Mourinho,” Simeone said.

The Madrid derby was therefore followed by a debate over the standard of officiating and the conduct of coaches, with Mourinho’s objections centred on Huijsen’s dismissal and the challenges involving Bellingham and Valverde.

Atletico Madrid will next prepare for their La Liga fixture against Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium on October 10.