The LaLiga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was temporarily suspended as fans threw objects at Thibaut Courtois, shortly after Los Blancos scored their first goal. Players left the pitch for around 20 minutes.
After Éder Militão found the net in the 64th minute, Courtois yelled at Atletico Madrid fans, who responded by throwing objects onto the pitch. Among the things that were thrown were lighters and bags filled with garbage, and more.
Following the incident, referee Busquets Ferrer decided to stop play and sent the players back to the locker rooms. Meanwhile, Atletico coach Diego Simeone went to speak with Courtois, who was visibly upset by the situation.
“El Cholo” then also spoke with the fans, as it did Koke, trying to calm them down. However, when the players returned to the pitch, the fans booed Courtois. The Belgian played with Atleti from 2011 to 2014.
With Atleti, Courtois won La Liga, Copa del Rey, Europa League, and reached the UEFA Champions League final. Since he was on loan, the Belgian keeper eventually returned to Chelsea until he signed with Real Madrid in 2018.
Atleti fans vandalize Courtois’s plaque
This isn’t the first time that Atleti fans showcase their anger at the Belgian goalkeeper. Even before the match, Marca released a video in which Courtois’ plaque outside of Metropolitano stadium was vandalized, filled with garbage and more.
Both Atletico and Madrid are close to Barcelona’s top spot in the 2024-25 LaLiga table. After Hansi Flick’s team lost to Osasuna 4-2 on Saturday, Madrid are second with 18 points, while Atleti (16) are third in the standings.