The controversy surrounding Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool intensified after footage appeared to show Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes laughing and joking with referee Andy Madley in the players’ tunnel at half-time.
Arsenal secured a disputed victory through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal, a result which extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points. However, the match was overshadowed by a series of contentious refereeing decisions.
Liverpool were particularly unhappy after they were denied what they considered a clear penalty in the 21st minute. During a cross into the Arsenal penalty area, Jurrien Timber appeared to pull the shirt of Liverpool forward Alexander Isak.
Former referee Mark Halsey told The Sun that the incident was “a clear penalty” because it stopped what he described as a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also criticised the decision, saying: “Honestly, we should have told our players to go down, because the referees are not going to give the penalty otherwise. Alex was honest and tried to reach the ball, and everyone clearly saw the direct pull.”
Footage prompts reaction
As the argument over the penalty continued, supporters focused on another incident from the half-time interval. Video showed Gabriel and Madley exchanging jokes and laughter in the tunnel before the Brazilian defender bumped fists with the referee and returned to the pitch.
The footage prompted an angry reaction from Liverpool supporters on social media. One wrote: “It is obvious this referee had a favourite player. Liverpool were blatantly robbed of a penalty.”
Another said: “It could not be any clearer,” while a third added: “He should not have been joking at a time like that.”
Others defended Madley and viewed the exchange as harmless. One person wrote sarcastically: “One laugh in the tunnel and suddenly everyone is an expert in body language.”
Another said: “Are referees not allowed to speak to players now? There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.”
Arsenal supporters also question decisions
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, felt their side had also been disadvantaged by several decisions during the match.
Liverpool player Trey Nyoni avoided a booking in the opening minute after a reckless challenge on Martin Odegaard. He also escaped a second yellow card following a late tackle on Havertz.
The contrasting complaints from both sets of supporters ensured that the match ended with the focus firmly on the officials, rather than solely on Arsenal’s victory and their three-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.
