Keith Hackett says Gabriel Martinelli deserved red card for referee push
Former referees’ chief Keith Hackett says Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli should have been sent off for pushing match official Sam Barrott during Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Southampton.
The Brazilian international received only a yellow card after shoving the referee in an attempt to take a quick free-kick at St Mary’s Stadium.
The controversial incident occurred as Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a shock 2-1 loss on the south coast.
Hackett criticises lenient officiating
Hackett, a former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, believes the leniency shown towards the winger could set a dangerous precedent.
The retired FIFA referee insists that dismissing the 23-year-old was the only correct course of action under the laws of the game.
“When Arsenal’s Martinelli pushed match referee Sam Barrott in a rather aggressive manner, there was no other outcome than Barrott showing a red card,” Hackett told Football Insider.
“In failing to do so, I was disappointed.”
“Sam Barrott is a top class official, but on this occasion, he’s let his colleagues down at all levels of the game.”
Arsenal suffer another cup exit
The north London outfit have endured a difficult period, having recently lost the League Cup final to Manchester City prior to the international break.
Saturday’s defeat completely ends their hopes of lifting domestic cup silverware this campaign.
Goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles secured a memorable victory for the Saints, rendering Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser a mere consolation.
Southampton are now heading to Wembley, extending their impressive unbeaten run to 15 matches across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the out-of-form Gunners attacker is approaching a full month without finding the back of the net.
