Atlético receives a partial stadium ban for three games due to unrest at the Madrid derby

Atlético Madrid was handed over a partial closure of the stadium for three games and a fine of 45,000 euros ($49,000) after fans threw objects onto the pitch during Sunday's Madrid derby, causing a temporary stoppage of play.

Play was stopped midway through the second half of the LaLiga match – four minutes after Éder Militão had given Real Madrid the lead – as fans threw lighters and plastic bottles onto the pitch.

When play resumed after a 15-minute delay, Ángel Correa equalized for Atlético and the game ended 1-1.

On Wednesday, the Spanish Football Federation's Competition Commission (RFEF) penalized Atlético by closing the Fondo Sur, the stand from which the objects were thrown behind one of the Metropolitano's goals, for three games.

Atlético has the right to appeal the decision.

The LaLiga club has already taken action to permanently ban a fan found to have been involved in the incident and said it was working with police to locate other fans.

Atletico said on Monday they would change their rules to ban fans from entering the stadium wearing clothing intended to conceal their identity, after some fans were pictured behind the goal wearing balaclavas on Sunday.

After the game, Atlético coach Diego Simeone and captain Koke spoke about the fans' actions, but also criticized Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, suggesting that his celebration of Militao's goals had provoked a reaction.

“We all have to help,” said Simeone. “Obviously the fans were throwing lighters – like at the Bernabéu when Courtois was our player and got hit in the head.” [in 2013] – is not correct.

“But we, the protagonists, don’t help if we provoke the fans and the fans get angry. It's wrong, it's not right, but we have to stay calm and understand the situation, know how to celebrate a goal.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer, who ordered the game to be stopped after three warnings to fans were ignored, for his handling of the situation.

“I think it was the right decision by the referee,” said Ancelotti. “It was right. Nobody likes to stop the game, but I think the referee did a good job.”