How a yellow card saved this Arsenal forward from a season-defining suspension

Gabriel Martinelli is set to avoid further punishment following an incident involving referee Sam Barrott during Arsenal’s recent FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

The Arsenal forward was involved in a controversial moment late in the match at St Mary’s as the Gunners searched for an equaliser.

Arsenal ultimately lost the quarter-final tie 2–1 after a late winner from Shea Charles ended their hopes in the competition.

During the closing stages of the game, Martinelli attempted to take a free kick quickly and pushed referee Barrott while trying to retrieve the ball.

The Brazilian was immediately shown a yellow card by the official for the incident.

Despite the flashpoint, the winger played the remainder of the match without further disciplinary action.

Reports following the game indicate that Martinelli will not face retrospective punishment from the Football Association.

Because the referee dealt with the situation during the match, the governing body is not expected to review the incident further.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has suggested the on-field punishment should have been more severe.

Halsey argued that the push on the referee warranted a red card rather than a caution.

“Referee Sam Barrott awarded a free kick to Arsenal and Martinelli came rushing in and pushed him out of the way,” Halsey said. “Although Sam issued a yellow card, for me it is a red card.”

Halsey also criticised the nature of the contact with the referee during the moment.

“You just cannot put your hands on a referee, let alone push him out of the way,” he said.

The former official added that such incidents could send the wrong message about respect for referees at all levels of the game.

“You have to think about referees across the country who officiate matches every weekend,” Halsey said. “What message does that send to them?”

Despite the criticism, the decision made by Barrott during the match means the matter is considered closed under current disciplinary procedures.

The referee’s yellow card is therefore expected to remain the only sanction issued to Martinelli.

The incident occurred during a frustrating night for Arsenal as they exited the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

The defeat also represented the second consecutive cup elimination for Mikel Arteta’s side following their recent loss to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.

Arsenal will now turn their attention back to league and European competition as they attempt to recover from the setback.

The post How a yellow card saved this Arsenal forward from a season-defining suspension first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.