Arsenal defender Ben White was spotted in an angry confrontation with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone after the 1-1 draw in the Champions League. Simeone appeared angry at the English player as the pair walked down the tunnel after a controversial match that saw two penalties awarded and another overturned.
The incident appears to have been sparked by White stepping on an Atlético badge as he left the pitch. Immediately afterwards, Simeone marched towards the 28-year-old and exchanged heated words before the players from each pitch joined in with increasing tension.
When the two players faced off, coach Simeone was seen pushing White. Declan Rice and Martin Zvimendi were two of the gunners who tried to defuse the situation to take White out.
Security personnel then quickly intervened and dispersed the pair.
White was in the middle of the match’s most controversial moment, giving away a penalty for a handball in the second half.
A shot from the edge of the box bounced off the grass and hit his arm, and the referee pointed to the spot. After Victor Goqueres scored in the first half, Julian Álvarez forced the ball in from 12 yards remaining for an equal performance.
Arsenal were then denied a shout-out for a penalty despite the referee first pointing out the spot when Eberechi Eze fell to the floor near David Hanko.
“I spoke to the players and I understand about the penalty when the second goal was canceled. It was against the rules and I don’t understand it. I’m very upset. There was obviously contact. He made the decision and you have to watch it 13 times and you can’t overturn it.”
Asked if the official was affected by the chaotic scenes inside the Metropolitano Stadium, he replied: “I don’t know. That’s the answer for him. A wrong decision that changed the course of the draw.”
He acknowledged that White’s handball was correct according to the letter of the law, but added: “These are the rules and they have followed them pretty well. I have nothing to say about that. All I have to say is the penalty.”
“There’s a lot of positives. There’s a lot of really good things we did. We knew there were going to be some tough moments. Their home record was broken again.”
“We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of the people. It’s in our hands.
