Play had to be suspended in a Madrid derby rife with drama after Atletico Madrid fans appeared to throw objects at Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

After a tense first 45 minutes that saw both sides struggle to create any real goal scoring opportunities, Eder Militao's deflected strike fired the visitors into the lead at the Metropolitano Stadium just after the hour mark.

Courtois wildly celebrated the Brazilian's goal against his former club which saw simmering tensions among home fans behind the Belgian's goal erupt into chaos.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper spent three seasons on loan at Los Colchoneros between 2011 and 2014 and made more than 150 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Television cameras captured him removing the items that he had been pelted with — that appeared to include several lighters and a plastic bag — from the pitch.

As the situation inside the stadium threatened to deteriorate further, referee Mateo Busquets paused the action and led both sets of players off the pitch in an attempt to restore order.

While the game was temporarily suspended, Atletico manager Diego Simeone could be seen remonstrating with the home fans and pleading with them to cease.

He was joined in his efforts by a number of his players including Koke and Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez.

After an extended delay lasting a quarter of an hour both teams returned to the pitch and the game was resumed as Atletico desperately chased an equaliser.

Eight minutes were added on at the end of the 90 to compensate for the extended interruption.

Atletico released a statement after the choas, reading: 'Atletico de Madrid wishes to express its rejection of the throwing of objects that took place from a section of the south stand in the 68th minute of the match vs Real Madrid.

'The club's security department has been working with the police to locate those involved, one of whom has already been identified. The club will apply the internal regime foreseen for very serious cases to the people involved in this incident.'

Substitute Angel Correa looked to have levelled for Atletico but his goal was ruled out before a VAR check overturned the initial decision, handing the hosts their equaliser and sending the supporters in attendance into pandemonium. 

The drama wasn't over yet though, as a cynical foul from Marcos Llorente deep into the closing stages that had initially earned a booking from the referee was upgraded to a straight red following a review by the video assistant.