Mikel Arteta had to physically hold back Arsenal`s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, following a disastrous corner routine.
This incident took place towards the conclusion of their 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
In the final moments of the match, with time running out, Declan Rice prepared to take a corner kick as the Gunners pressed hard for an equalizing goal.
Jover, known for his expertise in set pieces, moved to the edge of his technical area, signaling instructions to his players.
Rice then delivered the ball into the box, but the play was stopped when a foul was called after Ben White was judged to have pushed PSG`s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
This decision enraged Jover, who angrily confronted the fourth official, visibly frustrated by the foul call.
Arteta intervened and needed to physically pull Jover away from the confrontation.
Television coverage briefly shifted elsewhere, but upon returning moments later, Arteta himself was seen arguing with the fourth official.
Supporters expressed dissatisfaction with Jover`s behavior, with one commenting, “Set piece coach stinker and sent back to the bench.” Another remarked, “Mad he thinks he is the manager.”
A third fan wrote, “95th minute, game on the line, and Jover runs out to get his moment in the spotlight.” Others commented, “Trying to be the main character too much get to the back.”
However, Jover`s work nearly paid off earlier in the game when an Arsenal player headed a free-kick delivered by Rice into the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. (Note: The original text had a potential factual error regarding the player`s name).
Arteta and his coaching staff became increasingly frustrated by what they perceived as time-wasting tactics from PSG in the second half.
The manager was observed angrily pointing to his watch as Donnarumma took his time, helping PSG see out the 1-0 victory.
