Steven Gerrard has assured former Gunners defender Mikel Arteta of his behavior on the touchline after former Arsenal defender Martin Keown pointed out that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone tried to influence match officials during their Champions League semi-final encounter. The pair were at the Wanda Metropolitano doing analysis after Arsenal and Atleti drew 1-1 in the first leg.
There was drama in this match, with Arsenal having a penalty canceled and giving Emirates the chance to take a 2-1 lead. Gerrard and Keown criticized the actions of Simeone and his coaching staff when the referee reconsidered his initial decision on the VAR monitor. They wanted the coach to trust their judgment, but they emphasized the tactics the Argentine coach displayed in that moment.
“I think we need to look at that more across the board. Referees need to have the courage to go out there and make a decision, and when they see it with their own eyes, to stick to their decision because it wasn’t a clear mistake,” Gerrard explained.
“Everyone knows that. There was an impact from the bench, and they were brilliant at it, although Martin won’t like it. But this is gamesmanship. Before the referee even looked at the screen, Simeone waved his arm in his face and then came in his ear. This is a performance. He is the best at it.”
Keown clearly agreed. “He commands the crowd. He does that too, creating drama with the way he runs around.”
However, Gerrard had no intention of leaving his fellow pundit alone, given his well-known loyalty. The former Liverpool captain was quick to stress that Arsenal themselves are not used to such plays.
“Arteta is doing it in the Premier League and Arteta is doing it as well,” Gerrard said. “Yes, but you won’t have the same success. This guy (Simeone) is the master,” came the reply from Keown.
“Yes, Martin, we’re not talking about their stats, we’re talking about Arsenal,” Gerrard began before Keown interjected. “But Simeone is better than everyone.
“Both managers will have to lie down, which they never stopped,” Gerrard quipped. Keown added: “It would be interesting to have a tracker that could tell you the distance.”
Steve McManaman, also a commentator for TNT Sports, harshly criticized Simeone’s actions. “Sometimes the Spanish director’s work didn’t show up on camera, but I could see what was going on.
“His behavior, his number two and number three towards the officials was terrible. It was really terrible. He would change his mind and his performance was terrible. That’s why people don’t like the dark arts (or) Atletico Madrid.”
