Who is Jonathan Poulter? Liverpool Fan Who Clashed with Diego Simeone at Anfield Revealed

The Liverpool fan who sparked a furious reaction from Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has been identified as Jonathan Poulter, a 30-year-old debt collector from Anfield. The heated incident took place on Wednesday night, September 17, 2025, during Liverpool’s dramatic Champions League win at Anfield.

How the Row Started

Poulter was sitting behind the Atletico dugout in the Anfield Road Stand. He was seen shouting at the Spanish side’s bench after they equalised 2-2. When Virgil van Dijk scored the late winner for Liverpool, tensions boiled over.

Simeone, visibly angry, tried to confront the fan but was held back by stewards. Later, Poulter admitted shouting at the Atletico staff but denied using racist or political insults.

Poulter’s Football Ban History

It has now been revealed that Poulter was banned from football for three years in 2015. The ban followed an incident during Steven Gerrard’s final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace.

He was accused of abusing David Hingham, a 61-year-old fan, and his disabled wife after refusing to lower a banner. Poulter denied threatening behaviour but was convicted and handed a ban along with an eight-week curfew.

Reports from the time claim Poulter told Hingham: “This is the Kop, this is our tradition. If you don’t like it, there’s the door.”

Poulter’s Response to Simeone

After the clash with Simeone, Poulter posted a video on X (Twitter). In it, he called Simeone a “coward” and accused the Argentine’s assistant coach of spitting at him.

He also defended himself, saying: “I didn’t say anything racist. I didn’t say anything about the Falklands. All I said was ‘we won, f** off,’ as fans do.”*

Simeone’s Reaction

Simeone, speaking after the match, admitted that the insults got to him. “Managers get insulted all game. When I turned around after their third goal, he insulted me. I’m human. I reacted,” he told Movistar Futbol.

The fiery exchange has since gone viral on social media, with videos showing Poulter gesturing towards the Atletico bench and Simeone being restrained.