Arsenal`s Gabriel Martinelli was furious with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, accusing him of a “nasty” challenge that could have resulted in a broken leg.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was equally angered, arguing that Norgaard should have been shown a red card instead of a yellow for the scissor tackle from behind in the first half.
Winger Martinelli stated: “If my foot had been planted, he could have broken my leg in that moment.”
“He said it wasn`t intentional, and I believe him, but it still could have broken my leg. In my opinion, it was a red card. It was a nasty challenge.”
Arteta expressed his anger to the fourth official as Martinelli was on the ground.
The Gunners boss commented: “My reaction says everything.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank disagreed, saying: “It was a strong yellow card — but it was just a yellow.”
It is understood that Norgaard and Martinelli shook hands at halftime, but the disagreement continued after the match.
Former top referee Mark Halsey agreed with Arsenal, adding: “A challenge that jeopardizes a player’s safety with excessive force or brutality should be punished with a red card.”
“This was a scissor challenge from behind — that is serious foul play.”
“It could have resulted in a serious injury for Martinelli.”
Arsenal took the lead with a second-half goal from Thomas Partey.
However, Brentford equalized when striker Yoane Wissa scored his 15th Premier League goal of the season.
The draw leaves the Gunners ten points behind league leaders Liverpool, and for the first time, Arteta almost conceded the title race.
The Arsenal manager admitted that his team’s season now depends on the Champions League quarter-final, as the Gunners prepare to go to Real Madrid on Wednesday to defend their 3-0 lead from the first leg.
Arteta said: “Today, we wanted to increase our chances of really competing for what we are aiming for in the Premier League.”
“With this result, it is obviously less likely to happen. There are still six Premier League games left, which will be very important.”
“But, for sure, now it’s all about Wednesday.”
Frank praised Wissa’s excellent scoring form this season and his team’s resilience in coming back from a goal down to maintain their hopes of European qualification next season.
The Brentford boss stated: “How many teams have a No 9 who has scored 15 goals? Maybe only Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.”
“So, it’s exceptional from Wissa, a lot of credit to him, and hopefully also to our style of play and the opportunities we create.”
“It is a very good point against a very good Arsenal team that defeated Real Madrid four days ago.”
“Fighting back to draw 1-1 shows the character of our team.”
“We would love to compete for Europe and aim as high as possible.”
Marcus Bellamy