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Atletico Madrid’s coach characterized his response as “human” after he confronted a supporter following Liverpool scored a 92nd-minute decisive goal to defeat his team 3-2.

The head coach, who was dismissed by the official, stated he had been subjected to non-stop insults throughout the fixture and his feelings reached a peak once Virgil van Dijk scored.

“We are in a place where we lack the right to reply or answer back,” the Argentine tactician commented. “But if there are remarks against us, discriminatory language or insults, we can get angry or fight back. Therefore, if someone insults us all the game, after the goal, he turned round and insulted me. I am a person, I am human.”

Simeone did not specify whether the comments were racist, adding: “I won’t discuss the specific content of the insults. I prefer not to get involved into that debate. I have got to stay in my place. I know what went on behind the manager’s bench. It’s not my job to fix broader issues in one press conference. I must live with it.”

This marks the fifth time this season that Liverpool have secured a victory with a late goal, providing a ideal way to celebrate head coach Arne Slot’s 47th birthday.

“You’re never completely certain,” the Liverpool boss admitted, “but what I do know that we are extremely prepared that we are able to push one more time. What I can assure you, whether we fail to find the net, we will attempt to push for it. That is the mindset this team has.”

Slot continued, “It should not only be about attitude, but also how fit we are, how thoroughly prepared we are throughout the last few weeks that enables us to strive one more time.”

Slot further remarked about marking his special day on a European fixture for the second year, noting that he hoped to celebrate next year’s occasion with loved ones.