Diego Simeone furious with Joao Felix red card against Athletic Bilbao

The Portuguese star was cautioned for an elbow on Unai Vencedor before his arguing with referee Gil Manzanno resulted in a second booking and an early bath for the 21-year-old.

However, Simeone felt the decision was unjustified, and claimed Felix’s reputation was the reason for his dismissal.

“There were many yellow cards in the game but you have to look at the sensitivity of these moments”, as per reports from Marca.

“I don’t think they were all deserved yellow cards.

“As for Felix, if that gesture is made by someone else, he will probably not be expelled.

“Gil Manzano told me at full time I should not tell him to be calm when he already was.

“He’s a great referee and has very good performances. But his sensitivity depends on the day and that generates different sensations.”

Felix will now serve a mandatory one game league ban with Atletico unlikely to appeal against Manzano’s decision to send him off.

He will miss their midweek trip to neighbours Getafe but he will return to the squad for next weekend’s clash away at Alaves.