Mon Sep 30 00:12:05 UTC 2024: ## Atlético Madrid-Real Madrid Derby Suspended Due to Fan Violence

**Madrid, Spain** – Sunday’s highly anticipated derby between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid was suspended for 15 minutes due to fan violence, with objects being thrown at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The incident occurred in the 68th minute, shortly after Real Madrid took the lead through Éder Militão. Atlético fans in the Fondo Sur section of the stadium began throwing lighters, plastic bottles, and other objects onto the pitch, targeting Courtois who had celebrated the goal enthusiastically.

Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer issued a warning to the crowd, but the behavior continued. After a second round of objects being thrown, the referee halted the match and spoke with both team’s coaches, Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti.

“It was the correct decision by the referee,” Ancelotti said. “It was the right thing to do. Nobody likes to stop the game, but I think the referee did well.”

Atlético captain Koke and defender José María Giménez attempted to calm the fans, but the situation remained tense.

After a 15-minute delay, play resumed, but the atmosphere remained subdued. Atlético eventually equalized in the 95th minute, but the talk after the game centered on the suspension and its implications.

Both Simeone and Koke suggested that Courtois’ provocative celebrations might have contributed to the fan reaction.

“We all have to help,” Simeone said. “Obviously, the fans throwing lighters — like what happened at the Bernabéu, when Courtois was our player, and was hit on the head with a lighter [in 2013] — isn’t right. But we the protagonists don’t help when we provoke the fans… We have to know how we can celebrate a goal, not looking at the stands, with those gestures.”

Ancelotti declined to comment on the incident or possible disciplinary action.

Atlético Madrid condemned the violence in a strongly worded statement, confirming that they are working with police to identify the perpetrators and will be applying internal club rules on the matter.

The incident highlights the ongoing issue of fan violence in football, particularly during high-stakes derby matches. It remains to be seen what further action will be taken by authorities and the clubs involved.

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