REUTERS/Phil Noble
Noni Madueke had a nervous wait during Arsenal's trip to Liverpool on Sunday evening, as the winger was involved in a heated collision with Alexis Mac Allister.
The Gunners took the lead early in the first half as Kai Havertz put a sweeping Declan Rice cross into the back of Alisson's net. Andoni Iraola's men applied significant pressure, but fell short of finding an equaliser.
The final 10 minutes or so could have been very different if VAR had decided to get involved in the incident which saw Madueke go (literally) head-to-head with Mac Allister.
What VAR Said About Liverpool vs Arsenal Incident
REUTERS/Phil Noble
As tensions inside Anfield remained high, Mac Allister showed his frustration at being penalised for a challenge on Martin Odegaard by tapping the back of the Norwegian's head.
Enraged Arsenal players quickly swarmed around the Argentine midfielder, with Madueke at the forefront of those making their feelings clear. Amid the many bodies, Mac Allister fell to the ground clutching his face.
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal looks on
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal looks on
Replays showed that Madueke had put his forehead against Mac Allister's, although Gary Neville felt there wasn't enough of a movement towards the Liverpool star to warrant a red card.
Rodrigo Bentancur was shown red for a similar action against Manchester United a few weeks ago, leading many to think Madueke was lucky to escape punishment. According to Neville, who was on Sky Sports' commentary, the VAR officials said: "It wasn't forceful."
Premier League Clear Up Madueke Controversy
REUTERS/Phil Noble
The Premier League Match Centre released a statement on X, confirming the reason for Madueke remaining on the pitch. The post stated:
"The referee’s call of no violent conduct by Madueke on Mac Allister was checked and confirmed by VAR.
"VAR: 'All of the situations have been checked and cleared. There is some contact as Madueke and Mac Allister square-up. In my opinion, it's not forceful, not violent, not brutal'."
That account lines up with Neville's claim on commentary. Arsenal went on to finish the game with 11 men and secure a first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years.