Credit: Imago / TNT Sports

Harri Burton

Mon 6 April 2026 12:15, UK

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Gabriel Martinelli is unlikely to be seriously punished despite pushing Samuel Barrott during Arsenal‘s shock FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the FA and FIFA are against re-refereeing incidents, which is why the Brazilian could escape.

Mikel Arteta’s side were completely stunned in their FA Cup quarter-final game at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, 4 April, with Shea Charles netting a dramatic winner in the 85th minute.

With the Gunners pushing for an equaliser, Martinelli ran into the referee, earning himself a yellow card for what possibly should have been a red, meaning that he will be available for Arsenal’s next games.

Gabriel Martinelli is likely to avoid retrospective suspension

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Because the referee has issued a yellow card, it is unlikely that the disciplinary panel will review the decision. 

“The FA, and FIFA in particular, want to avoid re-refereeing issues. In this situation, Barrott, who I think is outstanding, hasn’t applied the law.

“He didn’t bring the attention upon himself, but he’s duty-bound to set an example for players and young referees down below.

“I’d like the disciplinary panel to re-referee this one and suspend the player who laid his hands on the official. Some will say that it wasn’t violent, but that shouldn’t matter. 

“Pushing him to one side is unacceptable. But I’m guessing, because a yellow card was shown, they’ll support the referee and leave it alone.”

Arsenal star is beginning to grow a reputation

Although Martinelli has only ever been sent off once in his Arsenal career, it feels as though the player has a lot more issues with referees in the Premier League.

Earlier this season, the Brazilian infuriated an entire fanbase when attempting to pick up and throw an injured Conor Bradley, who has since been sidelined with a knee problem.

It was another incident that many felt should have resulted in a suspension for the 24-year-old winger, but he continues to avoid proper discipline, and someone at Arsenal needs to have a word in his ear.

Had it been a different referee, Martinelli might already be suspended. For now, though, he remains free to play the Gunners’ upcoming matches and is likely to stay that way.