LaLiga: We will not give Real Madrid guard of honour – Atletico Madrid confirm

Atletico Madrid has said their players will not give LaLiga champions Real Madrid a guard of honour ahead of Sunday’s derby.

The club has described the idea as “an attempt at ridicule” and “an exaggerated, artificial controversy” in a statement.

Madrid are away to Atletico this weekend, having already been confirmed champions with four games left, thanks to a 4-0 win over Espanyol last Saturday.

Trophy winners in the Spanish topflight have customarily been applauded onto the pitch by their next opponents as a mark of respect.

But Atleti said: “Some people want to turn what began as a gesture of recognition for the champions into a public toll that their rivals must pay, imbued with the scent of humiliation.

“Atletico Madrid will under no circumstances collaborate in this attempt at ridicule in which the true values of sport are completely forgotten and tension and confrontation between fans are incited.”