Martinelli pushed referee Sam Barrott in the FA Cup quarter-finals vs. Southampton Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli is not expected to face further disciplinary action from the Football Association after pushing referee Sam Barrott during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Southampton.
Martinelli, 24, was shown a yellow card in stoppage time of his side’s quarter-final loss on Saturday after pushing Barrott on the arm as he attempted to gather the ball and take a free kick quickly.
Given on-field referee Barrott took action during the game by cautioning the Brazil international, he is not expected to face any retrospective disciplinary sanctions from the FA.
The incident took place in the 94th minute of Saturday’s fixture at St Mary’s, with Arsenal trailing 2-1. The Premier League leaders were beaten by their Championship opponents following Shea Charles’ 85th-minute winner. Victor Gyokeres had earlier cancelled out Ross Stewart’s opener.
It marks the second time this season Martinelli has avoided further FA action after a controversial incident during a game. The winger was booked but not punished further after attempting to push injured Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley off the pitch during January’s Premier League fixture.
Similarly, because the incident was spotted by on-field referee Anthony Taylor and Martinelli was shown a yellow card, he did not face any retrospective sanctions.
“Conor and l have messaged and l’ve already apologised to him,” Martinelli wrote on Instagram after the game. “I really didn’t understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment.
“I want to say I’m deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery.”
Martinelli has made 43 appearances in all competitions this season, providing 11 goals and five assists.
Arsenal return to action against Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday.
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