Overview
- Diego Simeone issued a public apology on Monday to Vinícius Jr. and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for his conduct during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal.
- He said he accepts he was wrong but added, “I apologise, but I do not ask for forgiveness,” declining to seek pardon for the episode.
- Footage showed Simeone repeatedly provoking Vinícius, including remarks like “Florentino will kick you out” and gestures inviting the crowd noise as the player was substituted.
- Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso criticized the behavior as falling short of sportsmanship standards and said there must be respect for opponents.
- The incident occurred in Jeddah during a 2-1 Real Madrid win before they lost the final 3-2 to Barcelona, and Simeone spoke ahead of Atlético’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 visit to Deportivo La Coruña.