Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone appeared to call out Arsenal’s Ben White for an act of disrespect following the sides’ Champions League semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano.
On Wednesday (April 29), the Premier League leaders came away with a 1–1 draw at the raucous Metropolitano, with Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half penalty giving the away side the lead heading into the break.
It did not take long for the La Liga giants to level things, with Julian Alvarez smashing home from the spot in the 56th minute after White conceded a penalty for handball.
Atleti continued to press for a winner, with Antoine Griezmann — playing in his final Champions League match in Madrid, having already agreed to join MLS side Orlando City following the season — striking the crossbar before Ademola Lookman wasted a chance from close range.
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Mikel Arteta’s side also thought they had won a penalty during the second half when David Hancko appeared to catch Eberechi Eze in the box, prompting referee Danny Makkelie to initially point to the spot. However, after being sent to the monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR), the official overturned his decision, much to the dismay of Arteta, who fumed after the game.
“There is no clear and obvious error,” Arteta said. “And this changes the course of the game. At this level, I’m sorry, but this cannot happen.”
When asked if the decision had been explained to him, he added: “No. A very clear explanation of the decision — and what happens for a period of time, when a referee has to watch it 13 times — what’s more clear than that? It’s impossible, and we are all fuming about it.”
But it was not just Arteta who appeared to lose his head after the match. Simeone also saw red when Arsenal full-back White appeared to walk over an Atleti crest emblazoned near the tunnel.
A video posted by Spanish outlet Marca shows Simeone exchanging a few words with the England international before several players and members of staff became involved in a ruckus, with the Arsenal man pushed backwards before disappearing into the tunnel.
Fans were quick to offer their thoughts on social media.
One said: “Who cares? Don’t put it on the floor if you don’t want people to walk on it.”
Another added: “Simeone really deserves a touchline ban!!”
A third claimed: “Stupid place to put your badge if you ask me, right in front of the players’ tunnel. Doh.”
The second leg is scheduled to take place at the Emirates next Tuesday (May 5).
Topics: Champions League, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, Ben White, Football
Luke Davies