Footage published by Marca and widely shared on social media showed Giuliano Simeone — the Atlético attacker and son of the manager — immediately confronting White as he headed toward the tunnel.
Diego Simeone then intervened, slapping White repeatedly on the back, grabbing his arm and giving him a small push. White turned to face the Argentine manager and the two exchanged heated words before security and teammates stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Spanish clubs regard their turf-painted crests as sacred, and it is considered standard etiquette at the Metropolitano to walk around the badge. Other Arsenal and Atletico Madrid players did so without incident. White's decision to walk straight across it — whether intentional or not — sparked the altercation.
The confrontation followed a contentious match in which two penalties were scored and a third, awarded for a foul on Eberechi Eze, was overturned by VAR after Simeone's vociferous intervention at the pitchside monitor. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was furious.
"Speaking to the boys and understanding the penalty incident for the second goal getting overturned. It was against the rules and I don't understand it. Very upset," he told TNT Sport.
Viktor Gyökeres gave Arsenal the lead from the spot after a foul on him by David Hancko. Julián Álvarez equalised with a penalty of his own after a White handball, confirmed by VAR.
Arsenal are in a strong position heading into next week's second leg at the Emirates. Arteta added: "There are a lot of positives. A lot of very good things that we did. We are in an incredible position. We have to play in front of our people. It is in our hands."