Security guards at the ground were forced to step-in and prevent further damage to the plaque ahead of Inter friendly

REAL MADRID new-boy Thibaut Courtois has been called a "rat" by furious Atletico fans, as his plaque outside the Wanda Metropolitano was vandalised on Saturday.

Security guards at Atleti's ground were forced to step-in and prevent further damage to the sign ahead of the 1-0 Inter Milan friendly defeat.

twitter.com/bghayward/status/1028350764064944128

Courtois' commemorative plaque was also spat on and had beer poured on it after he joined rivals Real Madrid from Chelsea in a £38million deal earlier this week.

The London Evening Standard's Spanish football correspondent Ben Hayward shared the shocking images of the brutal vandalism on Twitter.

Alongside the snaps, he wrote: "Outside the Wanda Metropolitano, the Thibaut Courtois plaque is getting lots of attention.

"Someone has sprayed 'rata' in graffiti over it, others spit and pour beer.

Atletico Madrid fans have vandalised Thibaut Courtois' plaque after his move

Atletico Madrid fans have vandalised Thibaut Courtois' plaque after his move

"Two security guards stop further vandalism...

Courtois, 26, played for Atletico Madrid for three seasons on loan from Chelsea between 2011 and 2014 - turning out 154 times in all competitions.

The Belgian No1 gained hero status even though he never made his loan move permanent - as he helped them to a famous La Liga title in 2013-14.

Courtois even helped Los Rojiblancos win the 2012-13 Copa del Rey, 2011-12 Europa League and 2012 Super Cup - as well as reach the Champions League final in 2013-14 in easily the best period in the club's history.

Thibaut Courtois even kissed the badge as he joined Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois completed his £38m move from Chelsea this week

So to have moved to rivals Real Madrid - and even kiss the badge at his unveiling this week - has angered the Atleti faithful.

Courtois has also been branded a "Judas" by Chelsea fans... after he attempted to entice Eden Hazard to join him in Madrid.

After joining Los Blancos, the Belgian said: "[Hazard] is happy that I have arrived because he knew it was my dream.

"He is a great player and if he could come here one day it would be fantastic."

Now Courtois may face the wrath of the Atletico supporters once more... as Real take on their city rivals in the Super Cup final on Wednesday night in Estonia.