Steven Gerrard and Martin Keown engaged in a heated exchange over Mikel Arteta's sideline behaviour following Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg. The match at the Metropolitano was marred by controversy, particularly when Arsenal had a penalty overturned after a VAR review.
Gerrard Criticises Simeone's Influence
Both pundits criticised Atletico boss Diego Simeone for his attempts to influence the referee. Gerrard stated, 'I think we need to see more of that across the board, referees have to have the bravery when they go there, they've made a decision and when they've seen it with their own eyes, they need the bravery to stick with their own decision because it wasn't a clear and obvious mistake. Everyone knows that, there was an impact from the bench, they're brilliant at that - Martin won't like it - but it's gamesmanship.' He added, 'Before the referees looked at the screen, Simeone is in his face, waving his arms then he's in his ear, it's a performance, he's the best at doing it.'
Keown Acknowledges Simeone's Mastery
Keown agreed, saying, 'He orchestrates the crowd. He does that as well, he creates a drama, the way he's running around.' However, Gerrard quickly pointed out that Arteta employs similar tactics in the Premier League. 'Arteta does that as well in the Premier League, Arteta does that as well,' said Gerrard. Keown countered, 'Yeah but not with the same sort of success. This guy (Simeone) is the master.'
Gerrard Presses Keown on Arsenal
Gerrard insisted on focusing on Arsenal, stating, 'Yeah but Martin we're not talking about their stats, we're talking about Arsenal.' Keown interrupted, 'But Simeone is ahead of everybody.' Gerrard quipped, 'Both their managers will need a lie down they never stopped.' Keown added, 'It'd be interesting to have a tracker to see the amount of distance.'
McManaman Criticises Simeone's Behaviour
Fellow pundit Steve McManaman also condemned Simeone's conduct. 'We could see, sometimes the cameras wouldn't show it with the Spanish directors, but we could see what was going on. His behaviour, his number two and three with the officials was terrible. Absolutely awful. He'd change his mind, his performance was terrible that's why people don't like the dark arts (or) Atletico Madrid.'
