The ambiance at the Rhyiad Metropolitano felt just like a Copa Libertadores match!
So it came as no surprise that the 1-1 draw between Atlético de Madrid and Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals ended with tensions rising off the field in Madrid.
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The cause, however, was somewhat unexpected.
English defender Ben White incited Diego Simeone’s wrath by stepping on the club’s emblem while making his way to the locker room.
As White exited the pitch, he inadvertently stepped over Atlético de Madrid’s crest located on the floor at the tunnel entrance, an act that was quickly perceived as disrespectful by the Argentine coach.
Initially, an Atlético player attempted to confront the Arsenal defender, but he was restrained.
However, tensions escalated when coach Diego Simeone approached White directly.
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The Argentine manager confronted White, tapped him on the back a couple of times, and initiated a heated discussion.
The exchange quickly intensified, leading Simeone to shove the defender twice.
To prevent the confrontation from escalating into a brawl, members of the coaching staffs and players from both teams rushed in to separate them and diffuse the situation in the tunnel.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.