‘Definitely put the player in danger’: BBC pundit rages at controversial moment in Arsenal clash

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Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli found himself on the receiving end of a red-card tackle in Sunday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle.

In the 90th minute of the encounter, the 19-year-old was clattered by Fabian Schar inside his half, going right through the back of the Gunners man.

Martinelli looked in considerable pain as he climbed to his feet, and referee Mike Dean showed the Magpies man a red card for his troubles.

The sending off left Steve Bruce raging, telling reporters after the game that “the way it is at the moment and the rules are… there’s no tackles anymore.

“I don’t think it deserves a red. Maybe it’s a yellow. Is it dangerous? Not really.”

However, BBC pundit Pat Nevin was of the opinion that it was indeed a dangerous tackle, and wondered why Schar would do such a thing late on with the game out of Newcastle’s reach.

“He’s definitely put the player in danger,” Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He’s got his back to the goal and cannot protect himself.

“He’s come through the back and caught his heel. I don’t think he meant to be vicious but you cannot do that and if you do that there’s every likelihood it can lead to a quite serious injury.

“It’s well over 90 minutes. What’s the point doing that?”

Arsenal took the lead in the sixth minute through Mohamed Elneny and doubled their advantage on 66 minutes through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Up next for Mikel Arteta’s charges is Thursday’s crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium.