Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has strongly condemned a challenge made on him by Brentford’s Christian Norgaard during Saturday’s 1–1 Premier League draw.
The contentious incident occurred in the 28th minute when Norgaard lunged in to halt a developing Arsenal counter-attack, bringing down Martinelli with a late and forceful challenge. Referee Simon Hooper issued only a yellow card, a decision that drew immediate protest from the Arsenal bench and continued debate following the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Martinelli said: “I didn’t see it again, but in the moment, if my foot was on the ground, he could have broken my leg. He said he didn’t mean it – I believe him – but still, you know? For me, it was a red card. I need to see it again to be sure, but it felt nasty.”
Sources confirmed to ESPN that Norgaard attempted to apologise to Martinelli in the tunnel at half-time, but the Brazilian winger declined the gesture, visibly upset by the nature of the tackle.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank defended his player’s actions, stating, “That is his opinion. I thought it was a strong yellow, but it was a yellow.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who reacted angrily on the touchline at the time of the incident, chose not to elaborate in detail but suggested his reaction spoke volumes. “I think my reaction tells everything,” he said.
The match itself ended 1–1, with Thomas Partey giving Arsenal the lead on 61 minutes before Yoane Wissa equalised 13 minutes later. However, attention soon turned to injury concerns for the Gunners ahead of a critical UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Arteta confirmed that Ben White and Thomas Partey are both injury doubts for the trip to Spain. White missed Saturday’s fixture after sustaining a knock in training, while Partey was withdrawn late in the match.
“He felt something, so we didn’t want to take any risks,” Arteta explained regarding Partey’s condition. “We don’t know yet (if he will be fit for Wednesday). I haven’t spoken to the doctors, so they will check him now and see how he is.”
On White’s status, Arteta added: “Again, we don’t know. He could not be in condition to be in the squad today. We have a few days, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Arsenal lead the Champions League tie 3–0 after a commanding first-leg performance and are aiming to reach the semifinal stage for the first time since 2009.
