Atlético Madrid lodge UEFA complaint before Champions League semifinal after hotel incident
Atleti have formally reported an overnight disturbance outside their London hotel ahead of their Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.
Nerves were not the only thing keeping Atlético Madrid’s traveling party awake on the eve of their Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.
A coordinated group of Arsenal fans attempted to disrupt and unsettle the Spanish side by setting off fireworks outside their hotel, the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch in London.
Early-morning disturbance outside team hotel
At 1:30 a.m. and again at 2 a.m., the group used noise and bright pyrotechnics in an effort to disturb the rest of Atletico’s players and coaching staff.
The incident appeared to be carefully organized with the clear intention of disrupting the team’s preparation during their stay in London.
Atlético Madrid has formally reported the incident to UEFA, and it is expected to be addressed at the pre-match meeting between both clubs.
The episode is being viewed by Atletico as an attempt to interfere with their preparation ahead of a high-stakes European semifinal against the Premier League leaders.
The disruption did have consequences, with members of the squad reporting difficulties resting properly ahead of the match.
UEFA complaint filed ahead of semifinal
Atlético Madrid’s complaint will now be reviewed by UEFA as part of the standard matchday procedures before kickoff.
The club views the incident as an unsporting attempt to gain an edge in the buildup to one of the biggest matches of their season.
Pitch controversy adds to tension
Arsenal, meanwhile, had previously lodged a complaint with UEFA about the height of the grass at the Estadio Metropolitano during the first leg.
That complaint was not upheld, as the pitch met all required regulations for the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Long-running narrative between clubs
In England, there have often been criticisms aimed at Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid side, with accusations of gamesmanship and disruptive tactics.
However, in this case, it is Arsenal supporters who are now at the center of controversy after crossing a line in the buildup to a crucial Champions League semifinal.
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