Ben White and Diego Simeone, the manager of Atletico Madrid, got into a fight in the tunnel after the Arsenal defender stepped on the Spanish team’s badge while leaving the field after their Champions League semifinal.
The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg of their match, which was dominated by penalty calls. Arsenal were incensed after VAR reversed a spot kick that had been awarded to them late in the match.
Tensions were running high when the players departed the field at the conclusion of the game.
White went straight across the Atlético club badge, which is displayed on the field in front of the tunnel area, on his way back to the dressing room.
BEN WHITE STEPS ON ATLETI CREST AND SIMEONE REACTS 🚨🚨
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
— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) April 29, 2026
Simeone led the enraged response, which was captured in a video by the Spanish publication Marca.
After pulling his son, winger Giuliano Simeone, away from White, the Argentine gave the Englishman what appeared to be an insulting pat on the back.
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After White seemed to respond to Simeone, the Arsenal player was shoved backward, though it was unclear if Simeone did it. Martin Zubimendi then escorted his teammate down the tunnel.
Many people find it rude to walk over club logos, which are frequently found at the main Spanish stadiums.
TNT published a video on the issue last year, asking a number of players if walking on the badge is a sign of disrespect with some − such as Virgil van Dijk and Dominic Solanke − denying it was.
The incident will only serve to heighten tensions ahead of Tuesday’s second leg at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
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