Joleon Lescott has called Diego Simeone out as acting “cowardly” at full time between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
The former Manchester City star was working as a pundit for BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League Group B clash.
Jurgen Klopp’s side ran out 3-2 winners at the Wanda Metropolitano, in a memorable European encounter.
Mohamed Salah was eventually credited with the opening goal of the contest, before Naby Keita scored a sublime volley to double the visitor’s lead.
But things began to change when two goals from Antoine Griezmann levelled things up before half time.
Salah gave Liverpool the lead thanks to a penalty, but Atletico thought they had a chance from the spot a few minutes later.
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However, the referee decided to change his mind after watching the VAR monitor, and Liverpool held on for all three points.
At the full time whistle, Simeone decided to sprint straight down the tunnel rather than shake Klopp’s hand, much to the annoyance of the Reds manager.
Lescott said it was a “cowardly” move by the Atletico boss, also labelling the manager as “petty”.
“I think it’s petty,” said Lescott.
“The comments from Jurgen Klopp before the game he didn’t seem phased by it but tonight didn’t shake his hand to run off down the tunnel is quite cowardly in my opinion.”
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch was in agreement with Lescott, adding that he thinks Simeone let himself down with his actions.
“Got to respect him so much as a manager Simeone, during the game whining the crowd, the players up, I understand it.
“But not shaking hands at the end, I just think he lets himself down.”
