Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has claimed that Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard “could have broken my leg” following a tackle he delivered on the Arsenal forward during the first half of their Premier League encounter, asserting that the midfielder deserved a red card for what he described as a “nasty” foul.
Norgaard faced significant criticism for the lunging challenge on Martinelli, drawing the ire of Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium.
The incident took place in the 28th minute when Norgaard’s tackle halted a Gunners counter-attack.
Referee Simon Hooper issued a yellow card to the Brentford captain, while VAR opted not to review the decision further.
“I didn’t see it again, but in that moment, if my foot had been grounded, he could have broken my leg,” Martinelli remarked to Sky Sports after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
“He (Norgaard) claimed he didn’t mean it. I believe him, but still, he could have caused serious injury. For me, it should have been a red card. I need to view it again to be certain. But to me, it was a nasty challenge.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was livid on the sidelines in the aftermath and later commented, “I think my reaction says it all,” while Brentford manager Thomas Frank responded, “That’s his perspective. I viewed it as a strong yellow.”
The match concluded in a 1-1 stalemate after Yoane Wissa equalised following Thomas Partey’s opening goal.
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