Gabriel Jesus strikes Atletico Madrid defender as Arsenal reach final
Arsenal substitute Gabriel Jesus appeared to strike Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill in the face following a heated Champions League semi-final victory at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The Gunners secured their place in European club football’s showpiece event after a narrow 1-0 home win.
Bukayo Saka’s decisive first-half strike was enough to seal a 2-1 aggregate triumph over the Spanish giants.
Post-match altercations mar historic victory
Tensions boiled over following the final whistle as the visiting side reacted angrily to their European elimination.
Fan footage shows an irate Pubill confronting Viktor Gyokeres regarding the Swedish forward’s full-time celebrations.
Jesus, who remained an unused substitute throughout the tense encounter, quickly intervened to defend his teammate.
The Brazilian forward was visibly furious with the opponent’s behaviour and appeared to land a blow to Pubill’s face during the ensuing scuffle.
Teammates intervene to prevent escalation
Kai Havertz immediately restrained the former Manchester City attacker to prevent the physical confrontation from deteriorating further.
Pubill managed to remain on his feet and was eventually escorted away by a group including Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
European football’s governing body, Uefa, will now likely review the footage to determine whether retrospective disciplinary action is required.
The ugly scenes on the pitch mirrored earlier touchline drama involving passionate Atletico manager Diego Simeone.
The Argentine coach had to be separated from sporting director Andrea Berta as emotions flared in the dying moments of the contest.
Arteta focuses on ‘magical’ achievement
Despite the chaotic conclusion, the north London club will now prepare for only the second Champions League final in their entire history.
Arsenal previously reached the final of this prestigious competition in 2006, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Barcelona.
Manager Mikel Arteta chose to focus on the monumental achievement and praised the electric atmosphere inside the stadium.
“It’s one of the best nights that I’ve had in my career,”
The Spanish tactician told the club’s official website.
“The energy that was created today in this stadium was something else; something different, something that elevates everybody’s conviction, energy, passion, and I’m so proud.”
“There are days that I don’t know what I’m doing with this job because it’s just mad!”
He added.
“But when I was looking at the stands today, my players and the staff and see their joy and happiness and that light in them, everything we do makes sense.”