Atlético slam own fans for derby delay, but Simeone chides Courtois

Atlético Madrid have strongly criticized sections of their own fans for delaying the city derby with Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who played for Atlético from 2011-2014, was forced to removed lighters, bottles and, at one point, a plastic bag with unknown contents from his penalty area.

About halfway through the second half, the 1-1 draw even had to be interrupted for around 20 minutes and the referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer temporarily sent both teams to the dressing rooms at Atlético's Metropolitano.

"It was a bit crazy," said Atlético captain Koke, adding that he hoped all home fans who threw things onto the pitch "won't return to the stadium."

Real took the lead through Éder Militão in the 64th minute. Courtois celebrated the goal exuberantly but the Atlético fans behind him were incensed and caused the stoppage.

"We don't need these people in the stands," said Atlético coach Diego Simeone, who spoke to his own supporters in front of the fan block during the long interruption and repeatedly tapped his forehead with his fingers.

Action must be taken against the fans, "but those who instigate them must also be penalized," he added in an apparent barb at Belgian Courtois.

Atlético said in a statement: "The club's security department has been working alongside the police to identify those involved, one of whom has already been identified. The club will apply its internal policy for serious offences to those involved in this incident.

"Such behaviour has no place in football and tarnishes the image of a stadium that hosted a spectacular atmosphere with more than 70,000 spectators, the vast majority of whom displayed exemplary conduct."

Real, who were without star striker Kylian Mbappé due to a left thigh injury, were unable to hold on to victory after the restart. Angel Correa scored the equalizer in the fifth minute of a long stoppage time.

Even after conceding so late because of the suspension, Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said the situation was handled correctly.

"It was the right decision by the referee," he said. "We clarified a few things in the dressing room and then came back. Nobody wanted to stop, but I think the referee acted well."