Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has refused to criticise the referee for sending Guilherme Siqueira from the field in his side's 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Siqueira picked up two yellow cards in the early stages of the second period, with his final piece of action a late challenge on Carlos Vela.

Simeone had no complaints over the red card, but also refused to criticise his Brazilian defender.

"It's a match situation and obviously he was eager to get to the ball, but the speed of the game allows these things to be seen," he told AS.

"It was late and it was part of the game. I've nothing to say."

The defeat has left Atletico fourth in La Liga.