Keith Hackett makes his feelings clear over Gabriel Magalhaes ‘red card’ vs Brentford
Gabriel Magalhaes may have been fortunate not to be sent off as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Thursday night.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the experienced defender was “reckless” and could have easily been given a second caution.
John Brooks made some questionable decisions at the Gtech Community Stadium on 12 February, leaving both sets of supporters frustrated following the 90 minutes.
For example, Noni Madueke likely should have been cautioned for an act of simulation, but it was the winger who opened the scoring for the Gunners, only to be cancelled out by Keane Lewis-Potter.
Igor Thiago is in fine form for Brentford, but it was the Brazilian who missed multiple late chances, while home supporters were also infuriated by a late decision from the referee.
Gabriel Magalhaes sweating over potential red card vs Brentford
In the 83rd minute, already on a yellow card, Gabriel went crashing into a challenge on Dango Ouattara on the right flank, completely missing the ball and leaving the winger in a heap on the floor.
Home supporters were crying out for a red card to be shown, given that the Brazilian had already been cautioned, but Brooks was sure not to dish out any more cards at the Gtech.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The challenge by Gabriel is reckless and not the type of challenge you make when you’re already on a yellow card.
“The referee has clearly given him the benefit of the doubt on this one.”
Already on a yellow card as well, Keith Andrews could not reveal his true feelings about the incident. However, he is likely to have some very strong feelings about the non-red card.
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While Cristhian Mosquera had a positive game at the back, the Bees created plenty of chances, and ultimately, were bullied by Andrews’ attackers at the Gtech.
Gabriel’s stats speak for themselves. For a defender who is usually faultless at the back, he lost 75 per cent of his tackles, was dispossessed twice, and made two fouls [FotMob].
It is fair to note that the Brazilian also made three blocks, nine clearances, two interceptions, and won 62 per cent of his ground duels and 75 per cent of his aerial duels, but he still struggled.
Thiago is having the season of his life, with 17 Premier League goals so far, so the Arsenal star will be thanking his lucky stars that the striker left his shooting boots in the changing rooms.