Gabriel Martinelli is set to avoid further action from the Football Association despite pushing referee Sam Barrott during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Southampton.
Ex-Referee Calls for Red Card
The incident occurred as the Gunners chased an equaliser. Martinelli pushed Barrott in an attempt to take a free-kick quickly. He was shown a yellow card.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Martinelli should have been sent off for the push. Halsey said Martinelli showed total disrespect for the match official.
“Although Sam issued a yellow card, for me it’s a red card. You just cannot put your hands on a referee, let alone push him out of the way,” Halsey stated.
Halsey voiced concerns about the message sent to local park referees. He added that Barrott let the refereeing community down by not sending Martinelli off.
FA Decision on Martinelli
Despite the calls for a red card, Martinelli is expected to avoid retrospective action. It has been widely reported that the Arsenal star will not face any further punishment by the FA. Barrott took action on the field, issuing a yellow card.
Martinelli played the full 90 minutes in the match against Southampton. Arsenal lost 2-1, ending their hopes of a treble.
Shea Charles scored a late winner for Southampton.
Arsenal’s FA Cup Exit
Arsenal’s FA Cup exit could affect Mikel Arteta’s circle of trust.
- Martinelli was booked for pushing the referee.
- A former Premier League referee thinks Martinelli should have been sent off.
- The FA is not expected to take further action.
The FA Cup semi-final draw is complete with Chelsea and Man City learning their next opponents.