Atlético Madrid’s 2-1 comeback win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday was a momentous moment for the hosts, although it was also a very heated affair. There were several critical moments during the 90 minutes at the Metropolitano, one of them after the visitors took the lead just before half-time.
While the Leverkusen players celebrated their goal, scored by Piero Hincapie, Jeremie Frimpong kicked Margarita’s bouquet of flowers, which was placed near the corner of the field as has been the tradition at home matches for 30 years.
Sons of bitches pic.twitter.com/fOPXvEqUzd
— 🇪🇸 (@24iiGrc) January 22, 2025
This action generated a lot of anger on the part of the Atlético fans, who considered it a great lack of respect on the part of the Dutch defender. Immediately after the celebrations, defender José María Giménez, who was returning from Los Colchoneros after an injury, approached him angrily. However, he has now admitted that he was not aware of this and, on his X account, has apologized to the club and its fans.
“After yesterday’s game, I learned about the tradition of the bouquet of flowers at the Metropolitano. I didn’t know it and at the moment of the goal I got carried away with emotion and made a mistake.
“Forgiveness to the Atlético fans and especially to Margarita.”
After yesterday’s game, I learned about the tradition of the bouquet of flowers at the Metropolitano. I didn’t know it and at the moment of the goal I got carried away with emotion and made a mistake.
Sorry to the Atlético fans and especially to Margarita 🙏🏾
– Jeremie Frimpong (@JeremieFrimpong) January 22, 2025
The apology appears to have been accepted by Atleti, who responded to Frimpong’s tweet with an apparent acceptance that he did not know the meaning of the Margarita flowers.
Things are looking very good for Atlético Madrid today, despite losing their status as La Liga leaders last weekend. A victory in the final match of next week’s league phase against RB Salzburg would secure their place in the Champions League round of 16, which would be very good news for Diego Simeone and his players amid the hectic schedule. that they will face. .