Simeone frustrated by refereeing inconsistency after Costa red card

Atletico Madrid had Diego Costa sent off for dissent against Barcelona and Diego Simeone suggested it highlighted refereeing inconsistency.

Published : Apr 07, 2019 12:47 IST

Diego Simeone was left frustrated by a lack of consistency from LaLiga's referees after Diego Costa was sent off for dissent in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 defeat at Barcelona.

Atletico went into the game eight points adrift of pacesetters Barca, meaning anything other than a win would be of little use in the title race.

Their chances took a major blow in the 28th minute when Costa was given his marching orders after appearing to say something to referee Jesus Gil Manzano.

Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi secured the win – and probably LaLiga – with goals in the last five minutes, though much of the post-match focus remained on Costa.

"In the last 11 games here [at Camp Nou] we have received seven red cards," Simeone told reporters. "We must be doing something wrong.

"I asked the referee and he told me something that Costa says he didn't say. If he said it [what the referee claims], he is deservedly sent off.

"But other players have said things and he doesn't send them off. We see it and they do not send them off.

"But that does not justify Costa's actions. If the referee interprets that there was insult, he's deservedly sent off, but it's not always the same [outcome for every player]."

Simeone was also eager to move away from the negativity many have attached to the defeat, with some suggesting the season is over for Atletico, although he believes such opinions show how far the team has come.

"Our season has not ended in any way," he said. "We have to win as many points as possible.

"I value that we won the European Supercup, that we fought for the second place, and it is bad? I love it, I love that it is said to be bad [the season]. Do not forget where we are."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment