Steven Gerrard clashes with Martin Keown over Mikel Arteta behaviour after Arsenal draw

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid played out a draw in the Champions League semi-final in a match that was not short of controversy with the behaviour of Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone under the spotlight

Steven Gerrard made sure that former Arsenal defender Martin Keown acknowledged Mikel Arteta's sideline antics, as the ex-Gunner highlighted Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone's attempts to influence the officials during the Champions League semi-final clash.

The pair were in punditry action at the Metropolitano as Arsenal and Atleti played out a 1-1 draw in their opening leg. The match was not without its controversy as Arsenal saw a penalty overturned that would have provided them an opportunity to take the lead away from home.

Both Gerrard and Keown criticised the behaviour of Simeone and his backroom staff as the official made his way to reassess his original decision at the VAR screen. The duo wanted the official to stand by his convictions, but stressed the gamesmanship on display during those moments.

"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," Gerrard explained. "Everyone knows that, there was an impact from the bench, they're brilliant at that - Martin won't like it - but it's gamesmanship.

"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 clearly agreed. "He orchestrates the crowd. He does that as well, he creates a drama, the way he's running around."

But Gerrard did not want to let his colleague off lightly, given his affiliation. The former Liverpool captain was quick to point out that Arsenal give as good as they get in that department.

"Arteta does that as well in the Premier League, Arteta does that as well," said Gerrard. "Yeah but not with the same sort of success. This guy (Simeone) is the master," game the reply from Keown.

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"Yeah but Martin we're not talking about their stats, we're talking about Arsenal," Gerrard began before Keown interupted: "But Simeone is ahead of everybody."

"Both their managers will need a lie down they never stopped," quipped Gerrard. Keown added: "It'd be interesting to have a tracker to see the amount of distance."

Steve McManaman was also on punditry duty for TNT Sports and laid into Simeone's behaviour. "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."