Derby Halted As Objects Thrown At Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois

The Madrid derby between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid in La Liga was halted for 15 minutes on Sunday night as horrific scenes saw objects thrown onto the field of play in the direction of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian goalkeeper was playing against his former club and sparked anger among home fans in the south stand behind his goal. The area is populated by the Atlético ultra group the Frente Atlético, who have drawn criticism on numerous occasions for their far-right politics and involvements in violence.

Courtois celebrated Éder Militão’s winning goal against Atlético Madrid and turned to the fans, who reacted by throwing items in the direction of the soccer player. Those items included lighters, bottles and plastic bags.

Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer issued a warning message over the loud speaker, and then did so again as items continued to rain down on the goalkeeper in front of the stand. Following a second warning, the game was suspended for a 15-minute spell.

When the teams did re-emerge, it continued to the final whistle without incident under a threat of permanent suspension should any more items be thrown onto the field of play from the stands.

Thibaut Courtois’ history with Atlético Madrid

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The goalkeeper is not a popular figure among Atlético Madrid fans and this is not the first time that he has been targeted by fans who have expressed their anger with him.

Courtois previously played for the club between 2011 and 2014, before returning to parent club Chelsea after a three-year loan spell. After spending four years in London, he then enraged Atlético fans as he chose to return to La Liga by joining arch rivals Real Madrid across the city.

When Courtois first came back to play in front of Atlético fans, who had seen their team move from the Estadio Vicente Calderón to the Metropolitano during his absence, soft toy rats were thrown en masse towards his goal as he came out and emerged for kick-off.

The goalkeeper has not avoided controversy with the rivalry, openly saying that he has joined “the good side” while discussing his move between the clubs.

It is also not the first time that Courtois has been the recipient of missiles on the field. In 2013, while playing for Atlético Madrid, he required medical attention on the field after a lighter was thrown at him by Real Madrid fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

Atlético Madrid set a new record attendance for the game

The incident marred what should have been a great night of soccer and a memorable one for Atlético Madrid and its fans. The club set a new record attendance at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano on Sunday night as they hosted reigning La Liga champions and city rivals Real Madrid.

The Rojiblancos welcomed 70,112 spectators to their home stadium for the occasion, overtaking the previous record below the 70,000 marker from earlier this year when Atleti welcomed Italian side Inter Milan in a Champions League tie.