Diego Simeone and Arsenal Rival, Former Colleague for Over a Decade, Clash as Tensions Escalate in Dramatic Finale

DIEGO SIMEONE had to be pulled apart from an Arsenal rival he worked with for more than a decade.

Tempers boiled over in injury time as the Gunners beat Atletico Madrid.

Diego Simeone got into a spat with his old colleague at the Emirates Credit: Prime Video He pushed former Atleti chief, now Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta Credit: Prime Video

in their Champions League semi-final showdown.

And as the clock ticked towards the full-time whistle, things got heated on and off the pitch.

David Raya was booked for time-wasting before Koke and Gabriel Martinelli locked horns when the ball went out for a throw-in.

But was right in the thick of it in the technical area, too.

The fiery boss’ frustrations were clear to see as his dreams of a title evaporated.

And his mood was not helped when he saw Andrea Berta on the side of the pitch.

Berta spent and then sporting director, with Simeone the manager throughout that spell.

The Italian helped sign the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, Joao Felix and Rodri while overseeing tremendous success, including two LaLiga titles and the Europa League.

However, he moved to the Emirates last year to replace Edu as sporting director.

But despite watching the majority of the semi-final second leg in the directors’ box, Berta headed down for the final minutes.

Berta and Simeone were separated as tempers boiled over Credit: Prime Video The fiery Argentine was typically animated on the sideline Credit: AFP Berta joined Arsenal in March 2025 Credit: Getty Bukayo Saka scored the winning goal to send the Gunners to the final Credit: Getty

So much so that he was spotted just metres from the touchline in his suit in the closing seconds.

in 2022 – waved his arms at the referee and tapping his watch, indicating that time should be up and the whistle was due.

But when Simeone spotted his former colleague, he marched over and shoved him.

The fourth official and various backroom staff members from both teams quickly separated the pair.

But Berta did not have to wait long before place in the Budapest final at the end of May was confirmed – sparking more wild celebrations on the pitch, in the dugout and in the stands.