Atletico Madrid see red as Diego Simeone and Sime Vrsaljko are sent off vs Arsenal

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James Benge26 April 2018

Atletico Madrid fell apart in the space of 15 first-half minutes in their Europa League semi-final first leg with Arsenal as both their manager and right-back were sent off.

After 11 minutes in which they were put under the cosh by a composed, disciplined Arsenal side, Atletico’s patience snapped.

Right-back Sime Vrsaljko, who had been booked within a minute for a cynical challenge on Jack Wilshere, then thundered into a clumsy tackle on Alexandre Lacazette nine minutes later, connecting with the Arsenal striker’s ankle.

Referee Clement Turpin did not hesitate in showing the Croatian international a second yellow card, though Vrsaljko took his time in departing the pitch.

arsatm260418t.jpg, by Tom Doyle
REUTERS

Atletico boss Diego Simeone had reacted furiously to the decision, vehemently protesting with fourth official Hicham Zakrani. Moments later, what little composure he had left snapped.

REUTERS

When Hector Bellerin went through the back of Atletico’s Koke, Simeone fumed, even though a free-kick was awarded.

Having entered the field of play and demanded a yellow card for Bellerin, he was the latest to be invited to leave the field by Turpin.

Once more he did so begrudgingly as his side lurched into a crisis that could be decisive in this semi-final.

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