Diego Simeone criticised for ‘atrocious’ behaviour during controversial VAR decision
The Atletico Madrid manager was once again at the centre of things as his side benefitted from two controversial VAR calls in the draw with Arsenal
Diego Simeone has come under criticism for pressuring the referee and fourth official as they made key VAR calls during Atletico Madrid ’s draw with Arsenal , with Steve McManaman calling the Argentine’s behaviour “atrocious”. The Atletico boss has long been known for his explosive touchline demeanour, and he was once again at the centre of things as he put pressure on fourth official Serdar Gozubuyuk and referee Danny Makkelie as the Dutchman reviewed a decision to award Arsenal a penalty . Makkelie originally awarded the Gunners a penalty as David Hancko appeared to trip Eberechi Eze in the Atletico box, though he was sent to the VAR monitor and eventually overturned the original decision after watching 13 replays of the original incident.
While Simeone could not be seen remonstrating with either Makkelie or Gozubuyuk, TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher pointed out the Argentine’s antics and question whether it might be enough to influence the officials . Clips on social media later showed the Atleti boss approaching Makkelie and shouting, clearly encouraging him to overturn the decision. (AP) And the TNT Sports pundits agreed after the final whistle, with Martin Keown highlighting the “drama” that Simeone creates.
“Simeone, his actions to the sideline, the drama that he creates, the scenes around it, the referee in the end I felt buckled under the pressure, went to the screen and didn’t stand by his decision,” said the former Arsenal defender. “Simeone, I think he played a big part. From a coaching point of view, his behaviour there, he was in the referees eyesight coming over,” added Steven Gerrard.
And former Liverpool midfielder McManaman agreed, pointing out “the constant haranguing of the fourth official”. “The behaviour of Diego Simeone and his assistants – when the referee was trying to come over and look at the monitor - was atrocious. I guarantee if that was in the opposite box, Simeone would be going apoplectic for the penalty.