Although Atletico Madrid was largely graceful in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night, a couple of incidents threatened to overshadow their sportsmanship. Diego Simeone, the team’s manager, might argue that an Arsenal staff member crossed the line in the final moments of the match.
As the clock wound down in stoppage time, a visibly tense Simeone noticed a particularly animated member of the Arsenal staff. It turned out to be Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s Sporting Director, who had come down to the pitch and was seen making insistent gestures for the referee to end the game.
Upon seeing Berta, Simeone approached him directly and shoved him. The two had to be separated by other staff members and the fourth official, with Simeone receiving a yellow card for his actions. He later claimed he was merely telling Berta to leave the area. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also received a yellow card during stoppage time for his excessive touchline activity.
Adding an interesting layer to the incident is the history between the two men. Berta worked alongside Simeone at Atletico Madrid for eight years, leaving the club only 18 months prior to join Arsenal. During their time together in Madrid, there were reports of disagreements between them regarding player transfers and recruitment, particularly concerning the club’s record signing, Joao Felix. Berta’s influence in the hierarchy was reportedly diminished, with Carlos Bucero taking a more prominent role. Since then, Mateu Alemany has been appointed sporting director, and it is believed that Simeone now holds more sway in transfer decisions.
