Abuse at the Metropolitano: Julián Álvarez targeted, Simeone responds
Abusive chants aimed at Julián Álvarez came from a restricted section of the Metropolitano; coach Diego Simeone said he respected the fans.
Atlético Madrid opened the La Liga season with a 2-0 win over Málaga at the Metropolitano on 20 August 2026, but the match was overshadowed by abusive chants directed at forward Julián Álvarez from a section of the home supporters.
Club and match reports say the insults came from a specific part of the stands rather than from the whole stadium. The unrest drew attention after the final whistle because the target was one of Atlético's most important players in recent seasons.
Simeone's measured reply
When asked after the game about the incident, coach Diego Simeone chose a conciliatory tone and avoided confronting his own fans. "I have great respect for our people," he said.
Simeone declined to add fuel to the controversy, saying he did not want to join those criticising or escalate tensions surrounding the episode.
Álvarez has been a central figure for Atlético for a long time, and the scenes surprised many observers, particularly because the forward has publicly indicated he is willing to leave the club.
According to available information, the club considers the chants isolated and limited to one sector of the crowd; there was no report that the whole stadium took part.
Photo: Atlético de Madrid @Atleti (X)
