adminAtletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso lost his head even more than Anthony Joshua as he tried to fight his own fans after a 2-0 home defeat to Villarreal on Sunday.
Diego Simeone’s side suffered a disappointing first defeat of the season to Unai Emery’s men in La Liga. Goals from Yeremy Pino and Gerard Moreno in the second-half meant Villarreal ascended to the top of the table, ahead of Real Madrid and Real Betis on goal difference.
But it was a horror evening in the Spanish capital for Atletico as they had Nahuel Molina sent off in stoppage time. And things went from bad to worse as Spanish centre-back Hermoso completely lost his head after the final whistle.
Atleti stars were going through their standard warm down post-game as fans stayed behind to vent their frustrations at players on the pitch. Hermoso, who had been an unused substitute for the match, became suddenly enraged after taking issue with something that was said.
Viral footage on social media showed the 27-year-old being held back by Atletico’s coaching staff while yelling at his own supporters. He then broke free and climbed over the barriers while angrily beating his chest.
A bottle was even thrown while the defender was restrained and continued to shout at the crowd. Stadium security staff were also called into action as they prevented Hermoso from fully entering the stands.
Meanwhile, left-back Renan Lodi responded to the criticism in his own charming way by brandishing a middle finger.
Hermoso came through the ranks at Atleti’s rivals Real but only managed to represent the B team before moving to Espanyol in 2017.
He then joined Atleti in 2019, where he has gone on to make 95 appearances for the club while winning La Liga in 2020/21. – Daily Star.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter