Madrid derby interrupted after Atletico fans throw objects onto the pitch

Sunday’s Madrid derby had to be stopped after Atletico Madrid fans threw objects onto the pitch at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium.

Objects, including lighters and plastic bags with items inside, were thrown by supporters behind the goal, which Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – who played for Atletico on loan from Chelsea for three years earlier in his career – was defending in the second half .

The game was initially stopped in the 69th minute by Mateo Busquets Ferrer as the players left the pitch. That came shortly after Eder Militao had given Madrid the lead with a deflected shot at the other end.

Before the game was interrupted, the public address system in the stadium said: “If this behavior does not stop, the game will be interrupted.”

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The loudspeaker then said: “The game was stopped for 10 minutes due to objects thrown onto the field.”

“Fans are asked not to throw any further objects. If this behavior does not stop, the game cannot be completed.”

Atletico captain Koke, defender Jose Maria Gimenez and then head coach Diego Simeone went to talk to the fans behind the goal.

(Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Despite the disruption, Atletico fans continued to jump up and down, with some objects continuing to be thrown. Television cameras also showed several fans wearing masks.

The game finally started again from the 69th minute with a delay of around 10 to 15 minutes.

A La Liga statement on social media during the game said: “Zero tolerance for any act of violence inside or outside our stadiums.”

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(Top photo: Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)