Atletico fans welcome Courtois back by chucking toy rats at goalkeeper
The Real Madrid goalkeeper used to play for Atletico Madrid
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Thibaut Courtois' plaque outside the Wanda Metropolitano on the legends' walkway was defaced before Saturday's derby between Atletico and Real Madrid. A red cross was marked on it and a number of toy rats scattered around.
Courtois spent three seasons as an Atletico player (2011-2014) on loan from Chelsea. The Belgian goalkeeper left when he was recalled by the Premier League side to replace Petr Cech.
But he returned to Madrid this summer, joining Atletico's rivals Real. This was his first game against his former club in their new stadium and he was not given a warm welcome.
As well as the relentless jeers and whistles aimed at him from the home supporters, a number of toy rats were thrown at him when he was in goal -- fans call him a rat for the his decision to return to the white side of Madrid.
Meanwhile, homage was payed to another former Atletico player, Isacio Calleja, who died recently aged 82. he played for the club for 14 years (1958-1972).
