Diego Simeone confronts Arsenal star in tunnel row after Atletico Madrid draw

Jack Otway
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:03:55 +0000

Ben White became embroiled in a heated tunnel altercation with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and his son Guiliano following Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.

The confrontation erupted after the England defender strode directly across the Atletico crest embedded in the tunnel floor at full-time of the 1-1 draw.

Video footage captured Simeone delivering a forceful pat to White's back, which the Arsenal right-back clearly took exception to.

Words were exchanged between the parties before teammates intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.

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Walking over a club's badge is widely considered disrespectful across European football. White has previously stated he does not watch football outside of his professional duties.

The £50million defender endured a challenging evening beyond the post-match confrontation.

White conceded a penalty after the ball struck his leg before making contact with his arm, a decision that would likely not have been given in domestic competition.

Under Champions League regulations, the handball was penalised in line with similar incidents seen in the PSG versus Bayern Munich fixture this season.

Arsenal felt aggrieved on a second occasion when the match official reversed his initial decision to award the Gunners a spot-kick for a challenge on Eberechi Eze.

The overturned penalty denied Mikel Arteta's side what could have been a significant victory on Spanish soil.

BEN WHITE STEPS ON ATLETI CREST AND SIMEONE REACTS 🚨🚨

On his way to the tunnel, the Arsenal defender accidentally stepped on the club’s badge, and Simeone immediately called him out 🗣️

Was it disrespectful or just a mistake? 🤔#BenWhite #AtleticoMadrid #Arsenal #UCL pic.twitter.com/9lzBQpGIkZ
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) April 29, 2026

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Arteta expressed his anger at the reversed penalty decision after reviewing the incident following the match.

"After going back to the dressing room, speaking to the boys and watching the penalty getting overturned, I'm extremely disappointed and annoyed," the Arsenal manager said.

"It was against the rules and I don't understand it. I am very upset, it's unacceptable!"

Simeone played a prominent role in Atletico's protests against the second penalty call, cutting an animated figure on the touchline throughout the dispute.

TNT pundit Steve McManaman was scathing in his assessment of the Argentine coach's behaviour, labelling him a "disgrace" for the manner in which his antics appeared to influence proceedings.

Despite the contentious officiating decisions, Arsenal secured a draw that keeps the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.

Viktor Gyokeres converted from the penalty spot to register his 19th goal of the campaign, ensuring the Gunners have a slender advantage heading into next week's match at the Emirates Stadium.

Whoever progresses will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

PSG appeared to be in cruise control of the tie when they faced into a 5-2 lead on Tuesday.

A Bayern fightback means, however, that Vincent Kompany's side remain firmly in the mix as they chase a first European triumph in six years.