An unsavoury incident occurred after the full-time whistle at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as Arsenal’s Ben White appeared to clash with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone
Ben White appeared to clash with Diego Simeone in an angry tunnel bust-up following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.
Gunners right-back White caused fury among the home camp after walking over the Atletico crest on his way back to the dressing room. Giuliano Simeone confronted White before his father and manager Diego stepped in and seemed to have a strong word with the England international.
Simeone then pushed White in the back before the two came head-to-head in the tunnel as players and staff from both teams surrounded the area. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice were two of the Arsenal representatives who tried to usher White away before security ended up intervening and breaking up the melee.
It was an incident that summed up a tense affair, as three penalties were given but just two got taken as the Gunners left the Wanda Metropolitano frustrated with a draw.
Viktor Gyokeres had put Mikel Arteta’s side in front just before half-time as he slammed a penalty beyond Jan Oblak after being brought down inside the box. But the Gunners’ lead lasted less than 20 minutes as Julian Alvaraz scored from 12 yards, after Atletico were given a controversial spot-kick for a handball from Ben White.
Marcos Llorente’s rasping effort appeared to strike White’s hand, prompting strong appeals from the Atletico players. Makkelie didn’t initially give it, but after being advised by VAR to take a closer look at his pitch-side monitor, the Dutchman changed his mind and decided to give Atletico the opportunity to level from the spot.
Minutes after Atletico equalised from the spot, Makkelie awarded Arsenal a penalty after he felt Eberechi Eze was felled in the box by David Hancko. Eze went to ground after feeling contact from Hancko and Makkelie was in no hesitation but to point to the spot, much to the frustration of Simeone and the Atletico players.
But, after a VAR review and Makkelie heading across to his monitor, he decided to overturn his initial decision and the Gunners were denied the chance to go back in front from 12 yards.
The game ended up finishing 1-1 with the Gunners heading into next Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium level.
Speaking post-match, Arteta slammed the officials and the decision to overturn the foul on Eze.
“We did what we wanted, went ahead with the penalty,” Arteta said in his press conference. “That is something we knew we would have to go through.
“In the Premier League, it is not a penalty (White handball), but how consistent they have been, I have to accept it.
“What I am incredibly fuming is the penalty that is overturned on Ebz. At this level, I am sorry it is not acceptable.”
The Gunners host Fulham in the Premier League before welcoming Atletico to north London in six days time.
