Arsenal news: Pundit fumes at ‘harsh’ Gabriel Martinelli red card – ‘I’m not having that’
Michael Oliver’s decision to send off Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal beat Wolves was “harsh”.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the controversial incident.
Martinelli, 20, was shown two yellow cards during the same passage of play in the second half of Arsenal’s clash with Wolves on Thursday (10 February).
The Brazilian first impeded a Wolves throw-in, where Oliver played advantage, before bringing down Chiquinho a few seconds later.
Ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett told this site on Friday (11 February) “the law was not complied with” and that one yellow would have been sufficient.
Kenny agrees but admitted the referee was in a tough position.
“It is a tough one,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ewan Kingsbury.
“For me, I’m not having it as a red card. I think the ref should just give him the one yellow.
“I think it’s harsh. Arsenal’s discipline record isn’t great, they seem to get one every month.
“It’s something that needs to be addressed. Things happen quickly and you do get some daft red cards.
“But, for me, I think just give a yellow there and let the game go on.
“Like I said, I think it’s harsh.”
Arsenal’s next game is against Brentford on 19 February.
The Gunners have a weekend off as they were due to play Chelsea, who are currently competing in the Club World Cup.
In other news, a pundit has claimed an Arsenal big name has just ‘six months’ to save his Emirates career after a picture emerges.