Arsenal have apologised to Atletico Madrid after the Spanish club made a formal complaint to UEFA over a lack of hot water in the showers following their pre-match training at the Emirates Stadium. Atletico were left ‘furious’, according to Spanish reports, as players departed the stadium in sweaty kit without being able to shower, returning instead to their hotel in London.
The issue affected both dressing rooms, and Arsenal insist it was an innocent mistake that was rectified as soon as it was brought to their attention. Atletico alerted Arsenal staff at 6.45pm, with training scheduled to finish at 7.30pm. The visitors ended their session early at 7.15pm and opted to head back to the hotel, with Arsenal confirming the problem was resolved by 7.25pm.
UEFA rules permit visiting clubs to train in the opposing stadium the night before Champions League matches. Arsenal typically train in London before travelling abroad, but the incident has drawn comparisons to old-school tactics, though the Gunners stressed no malice was intended.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone returns to the touchline for Tuesday night’s clash after serving a one-match ban following a bust-up with fans at Liverpool last month. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed admiration for his counterpart, praising Simeone’s “willingness to win” and the mentality he instils in his team, which has driven Atletico to major trophies and Champions League finals.
