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Antoine Griezmann shushes and yells at Atletico Madrid fans while in possession

The home crowd weren't happy when the Frenchman opted to hold the ball rather than launch a counterattack

Atletico Madrid are masters of the 1-0 win and have been for a long time.

So you’d think their fans would be used to their efficient brand of football by now.

However, the home crowd at the Wanda Metropolitano were less than impressed with Antoine Griezmann’s decision-making in stoppage time against Valencia on Sunday.

Let us explain…

REUTERS
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Let us explain…

Atletico were 1-0 up in the 90th minute when Antoine Griezmann gained possession with the visitors short of cover in defence.

With Koke and Diego Costa striding forward, there was potential for a counterattack.

However, the Frenchman decided to turn back on himself, hold the ball, slow the game down and keep possession.

There was potential for a three-on-three situation

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There was potential for a three-on-three situation

But Griezmann decided not to risk giving the ball away

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But Griezmann decided not to risk giving the ball away

He turned and passed the ball backwards

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He turned and passed the ball backwards

And then yelled at his own fans for their response

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And then yelled at his own fans for their response

Some of the home fans weren’t happy with what they perceived to be a lack of ambition and they let Griezmann know about it.

The 26-year-old didn’t take the criticism lightly and shushed the fans closest to him before yelling them, all while the ball was still in play.

Griezmann was still in possession when he started gesturing to the Atletico fans

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Griezmann was still in possession when he started gesturing to the Atletico fans

And was seen shouting in the direction of the home fans

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And was seen shouting in the direction of the home fans

The moment somewhat soured the win

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The moment somewhat soured the win

Moments after this incident, the referee blew the whistle to confirm a 1-0 win to the hosts, courtesy of Angel Correa’s goal in the 59th minute.

While some fans in the stadium may have wanted the add entertainment of a second goal, you can understand Griezmann’s conservative approach, given his side’s slender lead and time left on the clock.

Diego Simeone would have been happy with his forward’s decision to take the sting out of the play and use up a few more seconds.

Although Griezmann could have perhaps been a little more dignified in his reaction.

Trouble in paradise?

AFP or licensors
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Trouble in paradise?

This brief spat may fuel the rumours that Griezmann is set for a transfer to Barcelona in the summer.

The win took Atletico nine points clear of Valencia and took them to within nine points of league leaders Barcelona.

Ernesto Valverde’s side needed a late Gerard Pique equaliser to take a point from local rivals Espanyol in a game played in waterlogged conditions.

Proper Sunday League stuff

Getty - Contributor
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Proper Sunday League stuff

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