Rio Ferdinand slammed Atletico Madrid’s “distasteful behaviour” during their Champions League meeting with Manchester City on Wednesday night.
While Diego Simeone’s side created a number of chances in the second-leg after a hugely defensive display in the first-leg, the Spanish champions proved unable to score as Pep Guardiola’s made it through to the semi-finals.
As the pressure ramped up towards the end of the game, Atletico opted some rather forceful tactics, with defender Felipe sent off for a second bookable offence after an early foul on Phil Foden.
Much like in the first-leg, Jack Grealish seemingly became a target and the £100m man was embroiled in an argument with former City defender Stefan Savic after a confrontation on the touchline.
Ultimately, it was Kevin de Bruyne’s goal in the first-leg that decided the tie with City now due to meet Real Madrid in the final four, with Liverpool and Villarreal on the opposite side of the draw.
Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “Distasteful behaviour from the Atletico players, they should be embarrassed with some of the antics they have gone on with - you have to say, talking about football, well done to Atletico Madrid as they made Manchester City play in a way we haven’t seen for a long time, took them out of their rhythm and their stride.
“But some of the stuff towards the end was not what you want to see on a football pitch.”
