Arsenal's Gabriel posts a video on social media of 'stonewall' penalty

Arsenal defender Gabriel posts a video on social media of the ‘stonewall’ penalty he was NOT given in the draw with Newcastle – along with a facepalm emoji – after Mikel Arteta slammed the ‘scandalous’ decision not to award his side two spot-kicks

  • Arsenal defender Gabriel has criticised the referee’s decisions on social media
  • The 25-year-old posted a clip of him being fouled by Dan Burn inside the box
  • The Gunners were denied two potential penalties in 0-0 draw with Newcastle
  • READ: Arteta claims Arsenal should have been given two penalties vs Newcastle

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has publicly criticised the referee’s decisions during their 0-0 draw with Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has taken to Twitter to post a clip of Magpies defender Dan Burn pulling on his shirt inside the box with a ‘face palm’ emoji to suggest that he was shocked the decision was not given.

It was one of two potential penalties the Gunners could have been awarded, as Newcastle became the first team to stop Mikel Arteta’s side from scoring so far this season.

Arsenal defender Gabriel has publicly criticised the referee’s decisions in 0-0 Newcastle draw

The Brazilian was pulled down by his shirt inside the box by Newcastle defender Dan Burn

The first claim came from the Gabriel incident, as an Arsenal free-kick was played into the box, with Gabriel eventually going to ground under the challenge of Burn.

The Gunners protested, however, they were waved away – but that didn’t stop the defender posting a replay of the foul at midnight after they could have dropped two vital points in their bid to win the Premier League title.  

Granit Xhaka’s cross later on then hit the arm of Jacob Murphy – much like Gabriel, boss Arteta was furious with the decisions during the match.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta protested decisions throughout their goalless draw with Newcastle

‘There were two scandalous penalties,’ the Arsenal manager said after the match.

‘It’s a penalty or not a penalty and these are both penalties.’

Pundits also agreed that Arsenal should have been awarded at least one spot kick during the match, which could have moved them 10 points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the title race. 

Paul Merson said: ‘I can’t make a case for it [being a penalty],’ he said. ‘I am disappointed if that’s given against me. I think the Burn tug is more of a penalty for me.’  

Pundits including Paul Merson agreed that Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty

Gary Neville and Les Ferdinand agreed with Merson’s assessment of the Burn tug, with both admitting that Arsenal had legitimate reasons to feel aggrieved over VAR’s non-interference.

‘In my opinion that’s a stonewall penalty,’ Merson said. ‘His fist is clenched. That is a foul anywhere else on the pitch. We have seen bookings for less tonight.’

‘I don’t understand how that is not clear and obvious. It’s a clear cut penalty. He has got hold of his shirt,’ the former Newcastle forward Ferdinand agreed. 

‘If players are bumping into each other, you can understand referees waving it on in the box. But if you’ve hold of somebody’s shirt and it’s as clear as day, it’s a penalty.’

Neville added: ‘VAR officials with Howard Webb have been told to not get involved unless you have to. 

‘Arteta has a right to be annoyed at that one. Newcastle were very lucky there. I think they (Arsenal) have a right to feel aggrieved.




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