Ben White confronted by Diego Simeone after ‘disrespectful’ act

FootballSports
30 Apr 2026 • 4:32 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Ben White confronted by Diego Simeone after ‘disrespectful’ act

  • Arsenal's Ben White was involved in a tunnel altercation with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone after walking over the Spanish club's badge.
  • White was initially confronted by Giuliano Simeone, Diego's son, for stepping on the crest, an act considered disrespectful in Spain.
  • The incident escalated when White responded to Diego Simeone, leading to a heated exchange before staff from both teams intervened.
  • Tensions were already high before the Champions League semi-final first leg, with Arsenal having requested a pitch inspection due to the grass length.
  • The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, also saw White concede a penalty and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta express fury over a controversial VAR decision that overturned a late penalty for his team.

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