Simeone urges restraint after Mourinho criticises refereeing in Madrid derby
Abdullateef Fowewe
Atlético Madrid coach, Diego Simeone has called on managers to “never cross the line” in their comments, responding to José Mourinho’s post-match criticism of the refereeing following Atlético’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.
Speaking after the controversial match, Simeone said, “You should never cross the line. Regardless of who you are; Mourinho, Flick, Pellegrini, me, or anyone else, we need to be careful about what we say.”
He added that coaches occupy a privileged position with significant exposure and must show respect, stressing that “no everything is valid, no matter what your name is.”
Simeone chose not to dwell on specific decisions, instead highlighting his side’s collective performance and control of the match.
The comments came after Mourinho, the Real Madrid manager, described the officiating as “very strange.”
The Portuguese coach presented printed images of two challenges involving Atlético players that he believed should have resulted in red cards.
The derby, played at the Metropolitano on 20 September 2026, ended 2-1 to Atlético.
The result added another chapter to the long-running rivalry between the two Madrid clubs.
Simeone has managed Atlético since 2011, while Mourinho is in charge of Real Madrid in his latest spell at the club.
The pair have previously expressed mutual respect, though post-match exchanges after high-stakes encounters often turn pointed.
