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Christian Norgaard only received a yellow card for what appeared a reckless tackle clattering into Martinelli during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday evening was overshadowed by fury and frustration, with Gabriel Martinelli leading the outrage over what he believes was a reckless challenge that could have ended his season.
The Brazilian winger was incensed after Brentford captain Christian Norgaard lunged into him during a rapid counter-attack in the first half. Though the midfielder escaped with just a yellow card, Martinelli felt the punishment didn’t match the danger of the tackle.
“I didn’t see it again, but in my opinion, in the moment, if my foot was on the floor he could break my leg,” Martinelli told Sky Sports after the game.
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“He said he didn’t mean it and I believe him, but still he could’ve broken my leg. For me, it was red. I need to see it again to be sure, but for me it was nasty.”
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed his winger’s sentiments, branding the 28th-minute challenge a “clear” red card.
However, referee Simon Hooper and the VAR team opted not to upgrade the decision, allowing Norgaard to remain on the pitch — much to the frustration of the Emirates faithful.
Despite a stunning breakaway goal from Thomas Partey — set up by Declan Rice — the Gunners’ evening quickly unraveled.
Yoane Wissa equalised from a second phase of a corner, and Bukayo Saka squandered a golden chance to restore Arsenal’s lead. It was their 12th draw in 32 Premier League games, and they now sit a distant 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Arteta dealt triple injury blow ahead of Real Madrid replay
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To make matters worse, Arsenal’s injury list continues to grow ahead of a critical week. Thomas Partey, who had looked sharp before scoring, was forced off after feeling discomfort.
“We didn’t expect the issue with Thomas… he felt something so we didn’t want to take any risks,” Arteta said. “We don’t know [the diagnosis] yet.”
Jorginho also failed to complete the match after experiencing breathing difficulties, possibly linked to a rib problem. “It is strange because Jorgi normally carries on, so that means it is something significant I think,” Arteta explained.
Ben White was another unexpected absentee. “Ben White couldn’t be in the squad because he felt something again post-training yesterday,” the Arsenal boss said before kick-off. “We don’t know [if he’ll face Real Madrid], so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Semi-automated offside technology denies Tierney special moment
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There was more disappointment when Kieran Tierney’s rare start — his first Premier League appearance since May 2023 — was marred by VAR intervention.
The Scottish full-back thought he had scored after heading in a cross from youngster Ethan Nwaneri, only for the goal to be disallowed by the new semi-automated offside technology.
“VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Tierney was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed,” read a statement from the Premier League Match Centre.
With a Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid looming, Arsenal now face a growing injury crisis and questions over officiating that could not have come at a worse time.
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