NEWS: Diego Simeone hits back at Jose Mourinho after controversial Madrid derby

Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano, with several refereeing decisions dominating the aftermath of the match.

Mourinho was particularly unhappy with Dean Huijsen’s red card and questioned why Atletico players were not also sent off for challenges involving Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.

The Real Madrid coach even used images of the incidents during his post-match press conference to highlight his complaints.

Simeone was asked about Mourinho’s comments but initially gave a brief response.

“Nothing to say,” the Atletico boss said.

He later expanded on his view and called for coaches to remember the responsibility that comes with their positions.

“We respect everything others say, but we have to understand that Flick, Mourinho, Pellegrini, Simeone, we are in a privileged position, with enormous exposure as coaches, and we have to be careful with what we say,” Simeone said.

“We have to know how to respect the referee and our fellow professionals.

“When someone crosses that line of respect, whether your name is Mourinho, Simeone, Flick or Pellegrini, it isn’t right. You shouldn’t cross that line.”Simeone also rejected the idea that Atletico should focus too heavily on individual refereeing decisions.

“Sometimes they benefit you, other times they go against you,” he said.

“The head of the referees explained that Cuti’s incident wasn’t a sending-off. I’m not going to go into the details.

“What I do understand, from the positions we occupy, is that respect for referees, regardless of whether I benefited today, is something we have to maintain, because otherwise anything goes.”

Simeone then delivered a pointed response when asked about Mourinho specifically.

“Not everything is acceptable, no matter if your name is Mourinho,” he said.

Atletico will now turn their attention to their next La Liga fixture against Deportivo Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium on October 10.