Dugarry slams Atlético and Simeone's "shameful" behaviour
"Having an identity is fine. But I find that this team exceeds the limits of behaviour," the former French international has said on French radio.
Former French international Cristophe Dugarry has slammed Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone and his players for their behaviour during the Champions League last 16-tie against Juventus on Wednesday night.
Los Rojiblancos stunned the Serie A champions with two goals in five minutes in the final stages of the game, with defender José Giménez’s goal in the 78th minute provoking Simeone’s wild crotch-grabbing celebration that has drawn much criticism, particularly in Italy.
And former AC Milan and Barcelona striker Dugarry has added to the criticism of the Argentine coach, while also calling out his players for their behaviour on the pitch.
"In the first half I didn’t see anything technically or tactically of mention, except his (Simeone’s) guys shouting like ferrets at the referee. It was shameful, horrible," Dugarry, a world-cup winner with France in 1998, said in an interview on French radio channel RMC.
"Later I saw the Atlético fans calling for Cristiano's death. And when they scored, I saw Simeone grabbing his genitals and showing them to the public. I'm sorry, but that's going too far. It's just football, not a war.”
In his analysis Dugarry, who overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo’s much talked-about gestures at the Wanda, went on to question Atlético’s attitude: "Having an identity is fine. But I find that this team exceeds the limits of behaviour. It seems that they are forced to create an enemy, a monster."