Atlético de Madrid is suspended for three matches after the aggressions against Courtois on Sunday.

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Partial closure of the Metropolitano after incidents during the Madrid derby

Atlético de Madrid does not come off well after the unfortunate incidents that took place in the derby against Real Madrid. The RFEF Disciplinary Committee has decided to sanction the red and white club with the partial closure of its stadium for three matches, affecting the lower tier of the south end, in sectors 127 to 133. This sanction comes after the objects thrown towards the goal defended by Thibaut Courtois, in an episode that forced the temporary suspension of the match.

In addition to the closure of these sectors, the Madrid club will have to pay a fine of 45,000 euros for considering the infringement as ‘very serious’. The Committee has been clear in its position: although the action was carried out by a minority of fans, Atlético did not implement sufficient preventive measures to avoid an event of such gravity, especially in a match of such rivalry as the Madrid derby.

Incidents and suspension of the match

It all started in the 64th minute of the match, just after Eder Militao's goal that put Real Madrid ahead. At that moment, from the south stand, several fans began to throw objects, including three lighters and a water bottle, towards the area where Courtois was standing. Although none of the objects hit the goalkeeper directly, referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer decided to activate the security protocol.

A first warning was broadcast over the stadium's public address system to stop the throwing, but the crowd did not respect it, and after a repetition of the behaviour in the 65th minute, the referee stopped the match and sent the players to the dressing rooms. The suspension lasted 17 minutes, after which play was resumed without further incident.

Such events not only affected the course of the match, but also generated a negative image for one of the world's most important competitions. The Disciplinary Committee stressed in its ruling that the objects, although small in size, had the potential to cause injury, especially when thrown from a considerable distance, and highlighted the seriousness of the situation being repeated on several occasions before the suspension.

Atlético's reaction and measures taken

After the match, Atlético de Madrid immediately condemned the events, issuing a statement in which it expressed its rejection of this type of behaviour. The red and white club has already taken action: it has identified one of those responsible for the throwing and has expelled him permanently from the Cívitas Metropolitano. In addition, the club claims to be collaborating with the authorities to identify the rest of those involved, who will also be sanctioned with a stadium ban.

However, the Disciplinary Committee has made it clear that these actions, while welcome, are not sufficient. According to the body, the measures taken by Atlético were reactive, i.e. they were carried out after the damage had already been done, and were not preventative, which could have avoided the situation in the first place. In its ruling, the Committee described the club's actions as ‘insufficient’, underlining that, in a match of this magnitude, a more robust security strategy was essential.

Sanctions on the way and possible appeals

Atlético de Madrid has ten working days to lodge an appeal with the Appeals Committee, something the club is considering after receiving the ruling. In the meantime, both the government and the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) have spoken out about the seriousness of the events. The Minister for Education, Vocational Training and Sport, Pilar Alegría, and the president of the CSD, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, have called for exemplary sanctions for those responsible, assuring that this type of behaviour has no place in football.

Derby marred by violence

The Madrid derby always generates passions, but this time the rivalry overflowed. The tension in the atmosphere was already evident from the first minute, but everything exploded after Madrid's goal and the celebration of Courtois, a former Atletico player. Before the kicks, the lamentable chant of ‘Courtois die’ had already been heard from the same area of the stands, which made it clear that the atmosphere was more than heated.

Fortunately, the match was able to be completed after the temporary suspension, but the echoes of the incidents still reverberate, leaving a stain on what should have been a celebration of football. Atlético will now have to comply with the sanction and await the final resolution if they decide to appeal.

What is clear is that these episodes do neither football nor the fans any favours, and the authorities will not hesitate to act forcefully to prevent a repetition in the future.