Diego Simeone clashes with Arsenal director Andrea Berta in touchline spat as Gunners seal UEFA Champions League final spot - ‘Tempers frayed’

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Diego Simeone appeared to push a member of Arsenal’s backroom staff while tempers ran high in the closing stages of the UEFA Champions League semi-final as his Atletico Madrid were knocked out in north London.

'He's not happy!' - Simeone CLASHES with Arsenal bench at end of UCL semi-final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Gunners clinched a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico thanks to their 1-0 win on Tuesday night, thanks to Bukayo Saka’s first-half goal, booking their spot in this month’s final in Budapest.

In the final minutes of the second leg in north London, the touchline grew more and more busy, with each team making their way from the benches to the dugouts, while members of Arsenal’s backroom staff emerged from the tunnel and edged towards the touchline.

One figure, who appeared to be Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, came particularly close to the pitch, waving his arms and pointing to his watch, calling for the referee to blow the full-time whistle.

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Simeone took exception to this intervention, marching over to Berta, pushing him towards the tunnel and gesturing to the referee that the Arsenal man needed to move back.

Lucy Ward said on TNT Sports’ commentary: ”Simeone getting involved. I think the backroom staff of Arsenal are just congregating in the tunnel and he's not happy about it.”

As players and staff members from either side got involved in the altercation, Adam Summerton added: ”Tempers frayed, nerves jangling.”

Highlights: Arsenal reach UCL final after Saka winner downs Atletico

Video credit: TNT Sports

The players on Arsenal’s bench were seemingly unhappy with the Atletico manager, with Riccardo Calafiori needing to be ushered away from the area by set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover.

The full-time whistle was blown shortly after, with Arsenal booking their place in the final for the first time since 2006, while Atletico’s decade-long wait to return to Europe’s showpiece match goes on.

Simeone took Atletico to the final in 2014 and 2016, when they were beaten by local rivals Real Madrid on both occasions.

With uncertainty over his future at the club, there are doubts over whether they will reach that stage once again under the guidance of the Argentine after missing out on Tuesday night.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will dream of a first Champions League title, with either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain standing in their way.

The second leg of their semi-final from Bavaria is live on TNT Sports and HBO Max on Wednesday night.

Reigning champions PSG lead 5-4 from their first meeting in the French capital last week, a match instantly described as among the greatest in the competition's history.

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