Unfortunate developments have emerged for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta following allegations of insulting Sergio Conceicao’s family, leading to a tense confrontation with the Porto boss.

Arsenal advanced to the quarter-finals of the tournament after prevailing in a tense 4-2 penalty shootout against the formidable Portuguese side. Despite enduring a defeat in the initial leg, Arteta’s squad managed to clinch a narrow 1-0 win in the intense second leg. This victory forced the match into extra time and eventually led to penalties, where goalkeeper David Raya’s stellar performance stood out.

Amid the jubilant atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium, photos captured Arteta attempting to exchange handshakes with Conceicao, the Porto manager. However, what seemed like a gesture of sportsmanship turned sour as Arteta appeared to receive a rebuke instead. Both men were visibly angered and had to be separated, with Arteta walking away from the confrontation, visibly dismayed.

The aftermath of the match escalated during a heated press conference, where Conceicao accused Arteta of hurling insults at his family in Spanish during the game. “During the match, (Arteta) directed insulting remarks towards the bench in Spanish – it seems to be a habit among Spanish coaches, as we witnessed with (Pep) Guardiola as well,” Conceicao remarked. He further added, “I reminded him to be mindful of his words because the individual he insulted is no longer with us, and he should focus on managing his team, as he has a responsibility to achieve more with the quality at his disposal.”

The build-up to the fixture was marked by verbal jousting between the two managers regarding their differing approaches in the first leg. Arteta criticized Porto for their defensive tactics, accusing them of showing no intent to engage in the game. In response, Conceicao defended his team’s strategy, stating, “It’s a matter of opinion. They wanted to play, we wanted to win.”