Former Premier League ref says Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli red card was too harsh
2 min readArsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli red card was too harsh, according to former premier league referee, Mark Halsey.
With his conduct against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday night, Gabriel Martinelli did himself no favors.
Before knocking Daniel Podence over during a throw-in and taking out Chiquinho as he bore down on goal, it was clear that the teenager was upset at not being awarded a foul.
Mikel Arteta was fortunate in that it did not alter the outcome of the match, but if it had, the Spaniard would have been quite justified in pointing the finger of blame at Martinelli.
There’s no denying his abilities, but his youthful exuberance needs to be reined in at times.
Mark Halsey, a former Premier League official, felt that the player was unlucky in that his red was harsh.
“Gabriel Martinelli’s quick-fire red card at Wolves was harsh,” he told CaughtOffside.
“The Arsenal forward was initially cautioned for pushing Daniel Podence as he was taking a throw-in.
“Then five seconds later Martinelli fouled Wolves winger Chiquinho thus denying him a promising attack.
“Referee, Michael Oliver, was correct in law to issue two cautions at the same time for two offenses, but I believe he should have managed the incidents better than he did for a referee of his caliber.
“If Oliver wanted to caution Martinelli for the first offence he should have stopped the game as the offence occurred.”
What’s a real shame is that, after what was an entertaining game, all of the talk will be about that one incident, and perhaps Oliver’s performance as a result.
When undoubtedly the best referee that the Premier League has to offer is getting it wrong, then there really is a reason to worry.
PGMOL are under enough pressure as it is, and they’ll not welcome the extra scrutiny involved after this latest incident.
Also read,
Arteta hits back at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after an ugly Arsenal exit
Follow us
