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.
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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.
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.
Thibaut Courtois’ plaque has been removed from the Wanda Metropolitano after his MOTM performance for Real Madrid in the UCL final, per @marca
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 30, 2022
Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said earlier Monday, “If you want to remove Courtois’ plaque, go with an axe and shovel and remove it” pic.twitter.com/a2NSWf6LVp
❝Les fans veulent que la plaque de Courtois soit retirée du Wanda ? Si vous voulez l'enlever, allez avec une pelle et déterrez-le.❞
— Atleti Francia 🇫🇷 (@AtletiFrancia) May 30, 2022
— Enrique Cerezo 🗣️
NOS SUPPORTERS L’ONT VRAIMENT RETIRÉ 😭😭❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dpnc7ZKB2P
Atleti president Cerezo on Monday: if fans don't like Courtois' plaque outside the Wanda, "take a pick and shovel and go and remove it"
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) May 31, 2022
Atleti fans: OK then https://t.co/PRyIQM65KW
🚨 This morning, Atleti’s President said “If you want to remove the Courtois plaque, go with a pick and a shovel and remove it.”
— Los Blancos Live (@LosBlancos_Live) May 30, 2022
Someone has done it 😂 pic.twitter.com/A9S7tYDFz2
The 2 biggest accomplishments this season from Real Madrid’s biggest “rivals”:
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) May 30, 2022
• Barcelona fans celebrating Mbappe not signing
• Atletico Madrid fans removing Courtois’ plaque outside their stadiums
Sometimes, you just let your opponents do the work to expose themselves. pic.twitter.com/DbggVnXcOO
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo: "Fans want Courtois' legend plaque removed? If they want to remove the Courtois plaque they can go pick a shovel and remove it."
— Photos of Football (@photosofootball) May 30, 2022
Atletico fans: pic.twitter.com/KuoyR3WPrt
Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said earlier Monday, “If you want to remove Courtois’ plaque, go with an axe and shovel and remove it”
— Doqtor 🍥 (@Utd_Doqtor) May 30, 2022
No 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/3OqrCKYsKc
Atletico fans have ripped off Thibaut Courtois’ plaque from Wanda Metropolitano... pic.twitter.com/aLUdq6KZzc pic.twitter.com/XkhVRD9p8l
— Out Of Context Real Madrid (@rmanocontext) May 30, 2022
Courtois was given a plaque outside Gate 13 at the Atleti's home for his immense contributions playing for Diego Simeone.
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.
Outside the Wanda Metropolitano, the Thibaut Courtois plaque is getting lots of attention. Someone has sprayed 'rata' in graffiti over it, others spit and pour beer. Two security guards stop further vandalism... #Atleti #RealMadrid #AtletiInter pic.twitter.com/VLZImJbpOp
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) August 11, 2018
There was also spit and beer on the plaque, leading to security being called prior to a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan.
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."
Featured Image Credit: Image: PA
Topics: Atletico Madrid, Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid, La Liga, Champions League, Liverpool
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