
Beyond the controversy over VAR and the anger of coach Mikel Arteta, tension also erupted at the end of the first half. At the Metropolitano Stadium, along the touchline there is a large Atletico Madrid crest, which players and fans consider “sacred” and usually avoid. But Ben White decided to deliberately step on it during the warm-up and then at half-time. The gesture was interpreted as an open provocation towards the club. Giuliano Simeone reacted immediately, approaching and pushing him away from the crest, while the situation escalated with the intervention of other players and coach Simeone.
What happened in the tunnel?
White reacted with a wry smile, further irritating Giuliano Simeone, who grabbed him by the shirt. Within seconds, a mob of players formed: veterans like Jose Gimenez and Koke stepped in to defend the “sacred ground”, while White’s teammates tried to push him away to avoid punishment.
BEN WHITE STEPS ON ATLETI CREST AND SIMEONE REACTS ????????
— MARCA in English ???????? (@MARCAinENGLISH) April 29, 2026
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
Diego Simeone, despite reprimanding his son to avoid a red card, clearly showed his support for his reaction, giving White a threatening look. The referee was forced to intervene, showing both White a yellow card for unsporting behaviour and Giuliano Simeone for pushing.
On social media, Atletico Madrid fans declared Giuliano as a new idol for the club's defense. The match ended 1-1, and a fiery 90 minutes are expected before the return match.