Atletico Madrid coach Simeone apologizes for Vinicius bust-up

MADRID, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Monday apologized to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior for the touchline bust-up between the two sides in the Spanish Super Cup semifinal last Thursday.

The Argentinean made comments and gestures to Vinicius during the game, indicating that Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez wanted to sell the 25-year-old, while also pointing out the boos in the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah when Vinicius was subbed out of the game in the second half.

Real Madrid won the semifinal 2-1 against the run of play against Atletico Madrid, although Vinicius was later criticized in the press for his display while Simeone's behavior was also focused on by the Spanish media.

In his press conference on Monday ahead of Tuesday's Copa del Rey tie away to Deportivo la Coruna, Simeone said he would "like to apologies to Mr. Florentino and Mr. Vinicius for the incident they witnessed," said the Atletico coach.

"It was wrong of me to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. The team that wins deserves to go through; they deserved to go through," he said.

Although he apologized for his actions, Simeone added that he didn't "ask for forgiveness."

"I have nothing more to add," he concluded.

Real Madrid was beaten 3-2 by FC Barcelona in Sunday's Supercup final. ■