
ATLETICO FANS REMOVE THIBAUT COURTOIS’ PLAQUE AFTER REAL FINAL
Thibaut Courtois’ plaque on Atletico Madrid’s “walk of legends” outside the Wanda Metropolitano stadium has been removed after fans reacted angrily to the goalkeeper’s comments ahead of the Champions League final.
From 2011 to 2014, Courtois, 30, spent three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid, winning La Liga but losing the Champions League final against Real Madrid, whom he later joined in 2018.
It is unknown who was responsible for the removal of the plaque, which are dedicated to all Atletico Madrid players who have made over 100 appearances.
When asked about calls for the plaque to be removed on Monday, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo appeared to encourage fans to take matters into their own hands.
He urged reporters, “Take a pick and shovel and go and remove it.”
Prior to last Saturday’s Champions League final, Courtois made a reference to his 2014 final loss, which Madrid won 1-0 over Liverpool in Paris after Courtois made a series of spectacular saves.
In a pre-match press conference, Courtois said, “It was different for me [in 2014].” “Whenever Real Madrid plays in a final, they always win, so I’m on the right side of history now.”
That comment did not go down well with Atletico fans, who took it as a jibe aimed at their club.
Even the mayor of Madrid Jose Luis Martinez Almeida — well known as an Atletico supporter — mentioned the remarks in a ceremony during Madrid’s trophy parade on Sunday, saying “those of us who cried with you in Lisbon [the venue for the 2014 final] were on the right side too.”
More Stories
UPDATE: COURT TO HEAR MOTION SEEKING TO STRIKE OUT LP’S DEFECTION SUIT AGAINST RIVERS LAWMAKERS
On Monday, a motion to strike down the Labour Party's (LP) defection suit against Martin Amaewhule and 26 other members...
SOWORE ACCOMPANIES LAGOS CORPER TO NYSC OFFICE OVER VIRAL VIDEO DISPUTE
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights advocate and 2023 general election presidential contender, has endorsed Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as...
FULL FIXTURES: EGYPT, SUDAN, MOROCCO LEAD AS AFRICAN WORLD CUP RACE INTENSIFIES
As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, African teams are gearing up for the crucial matchdays 5...
BREAKING: LAGOS COURT DIRECTS OBA OTUDEKO TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR ‘N30BN FRAUD’ TRIAL
Oba Otudeko has been directed to enter a plea to the allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial...
NSCDC INTERRUPTS PLANNED ATTACK ON OIL PIPELINE INSTALLATION, SEIZES WEAPONS
The Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad (CG'S SIS) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained 17 people...
TRUMP BEGINS MASS LAYOFFS AT VOICE OF AMERICA
In a move that has long been viewed as essential to US influence, President Donald Trump's administration started major layoffs...