Ben White and Diego Simeone involved in clash after walking over Atletico Madrid badge

Arsenal’s Ben White was involved in a tunnel altercation with Diego Simeone after appearing to anger Atletico Madrid players by walking over their club badge by the side of the Metropolitano pitch.

The Arsenal defender was approached by Giuliano Simeone, the Atletico winger and Simeone’s son, who pointed to the giant crest White had walked over as he went down the tunnel.

Footage shared by Marca shows the pair then exchanged words before Diego Simeone pulled Giuliano back. But White then responded to the Atletico manager and tempers were high as they went down the tunnel and disappeared from view, with members of staff from both teams intervening.

In Spain, it is considered disrespectful to step on club badges and many players take a deliberate attempt to avoid walking on them, even if they are take up a significant amount of space near the tunnel area.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, for example, made an effort to avoid walking over Manchester City’s badge while walking out from the tunnel before a Champions League match at the Etihad a couple of seasons ago.

Tensions were high between the teams before the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, with Arsenal requesting a pitch inspection before kick-off due to the length of the grass at the Metropolitano.

White was also involved in one of the three penalty incidents that dominated the 1-1 draw in Madrid, with the Arsenal right back conceding a penalty for handball after Viktor Gyokeres had scored from the spot.