News Focus
- Diego Simeone pushed Andrea Berta during the final minutes of the match
- Berta worked alongside Simeone at Atletico Madrid for eight years before moving to Arsenal
- The Atletico boss received a yellow card following the touchline incident
- The pair reportedly disagreed on player signings during their time together in Spain
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also received a booking for his behaviour on the sideline
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone lost his temper during Tuesday night’s Champions League semi-final loss to Arsenal. The Argentine coach confronted Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s Sporting Director, in the dying moments of the match.
The trouble began during stoppage time. Berta moved to the edge of the pitch and began gesturing towards the referee. He wanted the official to blow the final whistle. Simeone spotted his former colleague and walked straight towards him. He then pushed the Italian official.
Other staff members and the fourth official quickly stepped in to separate the two men. The referee showed Simeone a yellow card for the push. The Atletico manager later argued that he was simply telling Berta to leave the technical area.
This incident adds extra tension to their history. Berta spent eight years at Atletico Madrid working with Simeone. He left the club 18 months ago to take up his current role at Arsenal. During their time together, the two men did not always agree on which players to buy. They famously clashed over the signing of Joao Felix.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta also picked up a yellow card during the closing stages. He was very active on the touchline as his team secured their place in the final.