Atletico Madrid Fans Remove Thibaut Courtois' Plaque After Man Of The Match Champions League Final Performance
Atletico Madrid fans have removed Thibaut Courtois' plaque outside the Wanda Metropolitano following encouragement from the club's president.
Courtois, playing for rivals Real Madrid, produced an incredible Man of the Match performance in Saturday's Champions League final win over Liverpool.
The big Belgian made a record-breaking nine saves to thwart Liverpool in the 1-0 win, which brought a 14th European Cup for Los Blancos.
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Courtois has well and truly written himself in Real folklore but his performance has led to further bitterness from Atleti supporters who once adored him.
On Monday Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had, rather controversially, told fans, "If you want to remove Courtois’ plaque, go with an axe and shovel and remove it”.
And so some supporters obliged by getting rid of the small metal plate, with images emerging online.
Courtois was given a plaque outside Gate 13 at the Atleti's home for his immense contributions playing for Diego Simeone.
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During an extended loan spell from Chelsea, Courtois played 154 times and won La Liga, the Europa League and Copa Del Rey.
Developing into one of the world's best goalkeepers, he also helped Los Rojiblancos reach the 2014 Champions League finals before turning to Chelsea and becoming first-choice at Stamford Bridge.
When he returned to the Spanish capital with Real in 2018, Atleti fans vandalised Courtois' plaque outside their stadium, spraying 'rata' - meaning rat - across it.
There was also spit and beer on the plaque, leading to security being called prior to a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan.
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The plaque was restored but then in 2019, ahead of the Madrid derby, it was covered by a large red cross, adverts for brothels and three toy rats.
In response to the actions of Atleti fans, Courtois said: "I don't mind. If that makes them happy, then good for them.
"If they want to throw things at my head, it won't affect me. It's more motivation."
Topics: Atletico Madrid, Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid, La Liga, Champions League, Liverpool
Josh Lawless