Gary Neville was left astonished by the referee’s failure to punish for a foul on Kaoru Mitoma during Arsenal’s clash with Brighton, labelling the decision ‘incredible’.
Martinelli shoved into Mitoma during an aerial duel that the Japanese playmaker was always favourite to win as he was closer to the ball.
While Mitoma only had eyes for the ball, Martinelli had little intention of competing for it and he collided into the Japan international.
Mitoma was left in a heap, with Brighton’s players surrounding the referee to urge him to take action.
Neville appeared to think a minimum of a yellow card would be produced, while there was a chance Martinelli could be sent off.
But Neville blasted the ‘incredible’ decision not to even book Martinelli.
‘Oh that’s not great at all that,’ said Neville, as he watched a replay of the foul.
‘Is he not booking him? Wow. That’s incredible. I don’t think I would have complained if that was a red. Or have I lost my mind?’
Speaking over a replay later in the game, Neville accused Martinelli of acting dangerously with intent.
‘This is the one from Martinelli on Mitoma…I think that’s dangerous.
‘He knows exactly what he’s doing.’
Brighton were furious with the referee’s refusal to take action against Martinelli and sought retribution of their own.
The next time the Brazilian picked the ball up Moises Caicedo fouled the winger but again the referee decided not to book the player.
Minutes later, Martinelli was forced off as he couldn’t run off the injury.
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