“It wasn't fair and that's why…”

The scandal that occupied the front page of the Spanish media and beyond, after the semifinal between Real Madrid and Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup (2-1 for los blancos), ends with a mea culpa.

Diego Simeone has moved to end the controversy that erupted during the Jeddah derby by publicly apologizing to Vinicius and Florentino Perez after the brawls and challenges with the Brazilian winger that overshadowed the semi-final and inflamed spirits.

“Cholo” Simeone decided to take a step back. After days of tension and controversy, Atletico's coach revised his attitude a lot and modified his speech with a statement that leaves no room for interpretation.

When leaving the field, Vinicius jr argues with Atletico coach Diego Simeone / Photo: Imago

“I would like to apologize to Mr. Florentino Pérez and Vinicius for what happened the other day and for what I said.

Simeone: “Florentino will kick you out, remember what I tell you!”

It wasn't right and that's why I'm apologizing today”. These words came after several days of reflection and represent an attempt to mend relations with Real Madrid. The Argentine's behavior was described by Xabi Alonso as one “beyond the limits of sport”.

The apology comes after a heated exchange of words on the sidelines. During the Madrid derby in Jeddah, Simeone shouted at the Brazilian: “Florentino will kick you out, remember what I tell you!”.

Diego Simeone, enjoying the winning goal in Atletico – Inter // photo: Guliver/gettyimages

Then, when Xabi Alonso replaced him, he accompanied the player's exit from the field with a provocative gesture with his ear (“Listen!”).

It was a total lack of fair play that led to the sanctioning of both and caused a media firestorm in Spain.