PGMOL expert: Arsenal star faces extended ban after ‘off-the-ball’ incident vs Newcastle, ‘it should be investigated’
Mikel Arteta faces the prospect of one of his Arsenal stars being sanctioned retrospectively after what he did against Newcastle United.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that a disciplinary panel could be involved if the Magpies are to report the incident in question.
Newcastle lost 2-1 to Arsenal in dramatic circumstances, having taken the lead through Nick Woltemade, before late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes shook St James’ Park on Sunday, 28 September.
Woltemade has settled into life well for the Magpies, netting twice in three Premier League games since his move from VfB Stuttgart, but his 34th-minute goal was not enough against the Gunners.
Gabriel Magalhaes should have been sent off against Newcastle
Right after the German international’s goal, having got caught up with Arsenal‘s Gabriel inside the penalty area, the two went face-to-face once again as Arteta’s side kicked off from the restart.
Gabriel made contact with Woltemade’s face, lashing out at the forward after their previous argument, but the centre-back was not punished due to the incident not being seen by referee Jarred Gillett.
Ironically, it was the Brazil international who went on to score the dramatic winner to silence St James’ Park, a goal which sent the Gunners to within two points of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Supporters, understandably, are furious with the decision and VAR’s lack of response to the incident, which likely would have seen the centre-back given his marching orders and at least a three-match ban.
Newcastle United could report Arsenal star to the football authorities
Having already stated that Gabriel deserved to be sent off at St James’ Park, Hackett suggested that the player could face retrospective action should the Magpies choose to report the incident.
“Absolutely. I think the processes are in place to do that. A club can report the incident, and then the football association will ask the referee and his two colleagues about it,” he said exclusively to Football Insider.
“If they have seen it, that will negate any onward movement in the disciplinary process. They don’t want to re-referee games. If they have not seen it, they will write to the clubs for their observations.
“In that event, the player should be charged. In that scenario, where there is a violent act, unseen by the match officials but openly seen in video replays, this should be investigated.
“Did anyone see it? Did VAR see it? If they have, it all stops there. If they haven’t, and it’s an off-the-ball incident, it goes to a disciplinary panel for review.”