Gabriel Magalhaes guilty of 'cheating' - ex-refs chief slams viral Arsenal footage

Gabriel Magalhaes should have been punished for an "act of simulation" during Arsenal's damning defeat to Brighton.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the defender should have been shown a yellow card.

Mikel Arteta's side fell to an usual defeat at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, 19 September, with goals coming from Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas, and Chema Andres.

Darren England was not afraid to get out his notebook during the clash, but many believe that Gabriel attempted to con the referee in the 41st minute.

For a move that he has become known for, Gabriel threw himself to the floor under pressure from Yasin Ayari, but the whistle didn't sound like it usually does.

Premier League fans up and down the country have blown up at the footage on social media, furious with the Gunners' defender for trying to buy a foul.

Gabriel Magalhaes should be embarrassed by viral footage

And with Gabriel was not given his foul, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett has stated that he should have been punished for his actions.

"The reality here is this is an act of simulation and it should have received a sanction," he explained to Football Insider.

"When you're looking at pushing offenses, right, you start off with a bent arm and it straightens. That's a push. Simple as that. And as a referee that's what you're looking for.

"This player's gone with a straight arm. The other thing that you're also looking for, often, a player running will slow down because what he's doing is inviting contact.

"So those are the things that the referee's got to take on board. And often because you're looking from behind, you've got the back of the defender, the forwards got in front of him, you've not got the best view.

"That's where VAR can come in [for a penalty]. But this is an act of simulation. It deserved a yellow card."

Another Arsenal star lucky to be on the pitch

The Gunners ended the game with only one player carded, and that happened deep into added time following a kick-out from Declan Rice.

With emotions clearly bubbling over, the England international swiped Malick Junior Yalcouye's feet from underneath him, and picked up a caution.

Many argued that Rice should have been shown red for a violent act, but VAR will have seen it as petulance rather than anything sinister.

It was certainly a strange afternoon for the reigning Premier League champions, one which allowed Manchester City to take top spot heading into the international break.