The Atletico Madrid boss was very unhappy with one of Arsenal’s stars.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone confronted Arsenal’s Ben White after what he perceived as a disrespectful act, just after the teams drew 1-1 in the first Champions League semi-final at the Metropolitano.
Alexander Sørloth sat on the bench throughout the game and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard was substituted after 58 minutes.
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On Wednesday 29 April, the Premier League leaders returned home from a boiling Metropolitano with a 1-1 draw. Viktor Gyökeres had sent the away team into the lead from the penalty spot just before half-time.
It didn’t take long for the La Liga giants to equalize. Julian Álvarez hammered in the equaliser from the penalty spot in the 56th minute, after White had incurred a penalty for hands.
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Griezmann hit the crossbar
Atletico continued to push for the winning goal. Antoine Griezmann – who played his last Champions League game in Madrid before leaving for MLS club Orlando City after the season – knocked the ball into the crossbar. Then Ademola Lookman misused a great chance at close range.
Mikel Arteta’s team thought they should have had a penalty in the second half as well. David Hancko appeared to foul Eberechi Eze inside the sixteen-metre box, and referee Danny Makkelie first pointed to the penalty mark. However, after being sent to the screen by VAR, he reversed the ruling – much to Arteta’s frustration.
“There is no clear and obvious mistake,” Arteta thundered after the game.
“This changes the course of the game. At this level, I’m sorry, but this can’t happen.
When asked if the decision had been explained, he replied:
–No. A very clear explanation for the decision – and when a referee has to look at it 13 times, what is more clear than that? It’s impossible, and we’re all furious.
Simeone saw red after the end of the game
But it wasn’t just Arteta who lost his composure. Simeone also saw red when Arsenal full-back White apparently stepped on the Atletico crest engraved on the ground close to the players’ tunnel.
A video published shows Simeone exchanging a few words with 英格兰背en before several players and staff get involved in a scuffle. The Arsenal player was pushed backwards before disappearing into the tunnel.
This is what happened:
Ben White steps on the Atletico crest, and Simeone reacts immediately. On the way to the tunnel, the Arsenal defender accidentally stepped on the club’s crest. Was it disrespectful – or just a mistake?
Fans rage – and defend White
Fans were quick to share their opinions on social media.
One wrote:
“Who cares?” Don’t put the emblem on the floor if you don’t want people to step on it.
Another added:
“Simeone really deserves a sideline ban.
A third claimed:
“Stupid place to put the emblem, if you ask me – right in front of the players’ tunnel. Duh.
The second leg will be played at the Emirates on Tuesday, May 5.
