‘I’ve never been as bad’ – Simeone sh*thousery too much for Warnock

Neil Warnock thought Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone took his antics too far last night during an “unrefereeable” game against Manchester City.

The Citizens drew 0-0 on the night against the La Liga outfit and their 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium a week earlier was enough to see Pep Guardiola’s side through to the Champions League semi-finals.

Scuffles broke out late in the match and in the tunnel as Atletico’s frustrations at their failure to prise open City’s defence boiled over.

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City withstood a barrage of pressure, intense provocation from a fired-up Atletico and a hostile atmosphere to reach the semi-finals after a hard-fought goalless draw.

The first major flashpoint came late in the game as a melee erupted after Felipe kicked City’s Phil Foden, whose head he had also bloodied in a poor earlier challenge.

Amongst the trouble Atletico defender Stefan Savic pulled unused City substitute Jack Grealish’s hair after the pair had exchanged words. Felipe was sent off for his involvement.

The problems continued after the teams left the field with players needing to be separated in the tunnel. TV footage showed objects being thrown and police reportedly became involved to restore order.

There’s famous video of former Sheffield United boss Warnock telling his players they have “to die to get three points” but even he though Simeone had fired his players up too much.

Warnock said on talkSPORT: “I must admit, when I watched it, the second-half – I couldn’t stop watching, I was gripped. I kept jumping off my seat with the tackles and all the professionalism, crossing my fingers that Man City would go through.

“It was only the last 15 minutes that it really became like that and I think Atletico were their own worst enemies. If they kept their cool, they’d have had a lot more chance of getting that goal – but they lost it.

“We all do it, all the managers waste time, especially away from home, and referees don’t add that much on – and I loved it when Simeone and all the players were talking about City time-wasting – they never even tried to play in Manchester!

“But it just goes to show how good Atletico are. I haven’t seen many sides create that many chances against Man City. For football, it’s a blessing they got knocked out. I’ve got a reputation, but I’ve never been as bad as Simeone last night. Deary me.

“I just couldn’t believe it. I know you’ll laugh at me, I’m the biggest critic of referees, but I thought it was unrefereeable! I thought the ref did brilliantly.”