Uefa has announced it will examine an incident where a member of Atletico Madrid's coaching staff allegedly "spat" towards Liverpool supporters following Wednesday evening's Champions League clash at Anfield.
The confrontation erupted after Liverpool secured a late 3-2 victory through Virgil van Dijk's header, with video evidence capturing the alleged spitting incident during heated exchanges along the touchline.
The footage shows an individual in official Atletico attire initially appearing to withdraw from the altercation before returning and seemingly expelling saliva in the direction of home supporters.
A Uefa representative confirmed they await match reports for review in the coming days, after which officials will determine whether formal disciplinary action should commence.
An altercation broke out with fans following the goal in stoppage time
|GETTY
The governing body indicated Liverpool must submit video evidence of the incident as the host club, with any potential sanctions dependent on the investigation's findings.
The altercation began when manager Diego Simeone approached Liverpool supporter Jonny Poulter, who had been vocally taunting him during the match.
Multiple members of Atletico's backroom staff quickly joined the confrontation, creating a volatile situation that required intervention from seven matchday stewards.
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The 30-year-old Poulter claims he was specifically targeted by the spitting incident, which occurred as security personnel attempted to guide the Spanish club's agitated coaching staff away from the area.
Witnesses report that tensions had been building throughout the match, with exchanges intensifying after Atletico equalised at 2-2, before reaching breaking point following Liverpool's winning goal.
The incident unfolded in front of the Anfield Road stand, where Poulter was seated directly behind the visitors' technical area, having shouted expletives at the Atletico bench on multiple occasions during the match.
In a video statement released Thursday, Poulter rejected suggestions of discriminatory language, stating: "There was nothing racist said by me or anyone else, there was never a mention of the Falklands War by me or anyone else."
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Just putting it out there. Nothing racist, no mention of any war or slurs of any kind.
— Jonny Poulter (@jonnyplfc6) September 18, 2025
Up the reds pic.twitter.com/UnQSblVZhU
The supporter explained his comments were limited to celebratory taunts, saying he shouted "waheeyyy f**k off we won" following Liverpool's winner, whilst acknowledging Atletico's assistant manager had been called a "s***house" after gesturing towards home fans when the visitors equalised.
Poulter expressed frustration that Simeone left speculation open by walking out of his post-match press conference when Spanish media questioned whether racist remarks or references to the Falklands conflict had been made.
During the press conference, Simeone stated: "When they scored the third goal, he turned around and insulted me, when I turned around, I am a person and I'm human."
The Atletico manager declined to elaborate on the specific nature of the alleged insults before abruptly leaving when pressed about his racism comments.
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Court records reveal Poulter received a three-year football ban in 2015 following an altercation with another supporter during Steven Gerrard's farewell match for Liverpool against Crystal Palace.
The incident occurred when Poulter refused to lower a tribute banner that obstructed the view of David Hingham, 61, and his disabled wife in the Kop stand.
Sefton Magistrates' Court heard Poulter responded aggressively when asked to remove the flag during Gerrard's guard of honour, telling Hingham: "This is the Kop, this is our tradition, this is what we do, if you don't like it there's the door you can f**k off."
Do i get the assist? https://t.co/JuMIqblany
— Jonny Poulter (@jonnyplfc6) September 18, 2025
Witnesses testified Poulter made comments about wanting wheelchair users relocated from the area and directed profanity at another supporter who intervened.
Despite apologising to the couple at the following season's opening home fixture, Poulter received an eight-week curfew and lengthy stadium ban after being convicted of using threatening behaviour to cause harassment.