Referee gives verdict on controversial Arsenal vs Southampton incident
Dermot Gallagher, a retired Premier League referee, evaluated the altercation that occurred between Gabriel Martinelli and Jan Bednarek on Friday and concluded that the officials made the correct decision.
During the match at Emirates Stadium, Bednarek, a player from Poland, was replaced due to concussion protocol after only 40 minutes.
Martinelli, who had scored a goal, backed into Bednarek as he was jumping to challenge for a high ball, causing him to fall to the ground and suffer an injury.
Despite his pleas with manager Ruben Selles and the medical staff, Bednarek was substituted and there is a possibility that he may miss Thursday’s match against AFC Bournemouth.
A few supporters of Southampton Football Club demanded that Martinelli be penalized for his actions, which have been dubbed “making a back,” since he didn’t even receive a yellow card for the risky maneuver.
On Sky Sports, Gallagher said: “I think you’ve got to be careful, it’s a foul and there’s no doubt about that but it‘s not a foul made with any malice. It’s a consequence of how he fell.
“It’s unfortunate, it’s very unfortunate. We don’t want to see anyone injured or with a concussion but I don’t think the referee can do anymore – it’s a foul but it’s certainly not a red card.”
Gallagher, who refereed the top flight for 15 years, added: “People say why wasn’t it referred to VAR but VAR are never going to recommend a red card. I think not, you can’t go too far the other way.
“Martinelli has backed into him, it’s a foul but that’s all it is. It isn’t done with any malice and it’s caused by Bednarek falling on his neck.”
Referee gives verdict on controversial Arsenal vs Southampton incident
