Liverpool fans were rattled by footage that showed Arsenal defender Gabriel having conversations with Sunday's referee at half-time
Arsenal's Gabriel and the referee were in dialogue before the second-half
Arsenal's Gabriel and the referee were in dialogue before the second-half(Image: Premier Sports)
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Liverpool fans have been left fuming after footage emerged showing Gabriel engaging with the referee at half-time as Arsenal secured a rare win at Anfield.
Kai Havertz's goal was the difference on an afternoon when the Reds felt they were on the wrong end of some debatable decisions by the official, Andy Madley.
Alexander Isak was denied a penalty after being pulled back by Jurrien Timber, which VAR also checked and cleared. Cody Gakpo also saw a penalty appeal waved away with Arsenal centre-half seemingly receiving a warning from the referee.
The pair were seen in discussion in the tunnel before the visitors ran out for the second-half. Gabriel was seen giving Madley a fist bump before walking out to the pitch.
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Supporters were clearly frustrated and took social media to air their views, with one person saying: “This referee clearly had a favourite. Liverpool got robbed in broad daylight.” Another speculated: “Couldn’t be more blatant.”
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola was equally frustrated by the incident as he tasted defeat at Anfield for the second time this season. He was adamant that the incident involving Isak and Timber was deserving of a penalty, with a light being shone on the Swede's lack of reaction.
To remedy that the Spanish coach insists he will urge his players to make a meal of fouls going forward to ensure they are clear to the referee - with the refusal to appeal seemingly counting against the Liverpool star.
The pair looked to exchange a fist bump on the way out
The pair looked to exchange a fist bump on the way out(Image: Premier Sports)
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Asked whether Isak should have collapsed in the area, the Liverpool boss replied: “It’s a shame you ask me this question but, honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down because they’re not going to call it otherwise.
“And then referees complain why they go down. Because if you don’t go down, you don’t call it. I think Alex is honest. He tries to go for the ball, everyone can see live straight away there is a clear, clear pull.”