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Atletico Madrid v Liverpool: You acted cowardly – Lescott slams Simeone for snubbing Klopp

Former Manchester City defender, Joleon Lescott has blasted Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone for refusing to shake hands with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp after their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

Liverpool defeated Atletico 3-2 in the tensed and drama-filled encounter in Spain.

The Reds took the lead at the Wanda Metropolitano, with Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita scoring to give the Premier League side a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes.

But Atletico drew level thanks to a quickfire brace from Antoine Griezmann who was later sent off for a high foot on Roberto Firmino.

Salah scored his second of the night from the spot after Mario Hermoso floored Diogo Jota with a clumsy foul inside the box in the 78th minute.

Lescott was surprised at Simeone’s decision to run straight down the tunnel instead of having the traditional handshake with his Liverpool counterpart.

Before the game, Klopp had slammed Simeone, saying he did not like the Argentine’s style of play.

The comment may have angered Simeone but Lescott felt there were no excuses for his behaviour.

“I’m the same, I think it’s petty,’ the ex-Manchester City defender told BT Sport.

“I think he handled himself well yesterday with regards to the remarks Jurgen Klopp made before the game – he didn’t seem phased by it.

“But then to not shake his hand and run off up the tunnel, it was cowardly in my opinion.”

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