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
NPFL: REMO STARS RECLAIM TOP SPOT, 3SC SHOCK RANGERS
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 18 fixtures produced a blend of surprising results. A total of eight goals...
PRES. TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE UTHMAN ARGUNGU
President Bola Tinubu expresses profound sorrow over the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice Uthman Muhammad Argungu, describing his departure...
FUEL PRICE TO DROP TO N935 PER LITRE BY MONDAY – IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), says the price of petrol will drop to N935 per litre by...
UPDATE: COMMUNITY CALLS FOR JUSTICE OVER DEATH OF MEMBER IN POLICE CUSTODY
Residents of Erubu-Asunnara Community in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State have called on the Inspector General of...
LOOKMAN SCORES AS ATALANTA FIGHT BACK TO DEFEAT EMPOLI 3-2
Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman was on the scoresheet as Atalanta surged back to the top of...
DEATH OF DEBTOR IN POLICE CELL: IGP VISITS KWARA, FAMILY OF DECEASED
Directs FCID to Take Over Case for Swift Dispensation of Justice.... The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has...