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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

FA to investigate Arsenal vs Liverpool bust-up as managers told of on-pitch comment

FA chiefs are set to investigate a bust-up during Arsenal’s dramatic win over Liverpool.

Referee Michael Oliver rushed over to the touchline to speak to both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp after a row on the pitch.

It is believed angry words were exchanged between Arsenal and Liverpool players as tempers were frayed with Arsenal being awarded a late penalty.

That prompted Oliver to go over to the touchline and make the managers aware that one of the players was alleged to say something to an opponent.

Both managers are believed to have spoken to Oliver AFTER the game and now the matter has been referred to the Football Association.

It may lead to a full scale investigation but the FA will now talk to the match officials before deciding whether to take further action.

AN FA Spokesperson: "We are aware of an incident that took place during the match between Arsenal and Liverpool. We are in dialogue with the match officials and will review the details of the incident."

Liverpool boss Klopp was questioned by Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves about the bust-up after the match, but the Reds boss said he was unable to give an answer as it had been referred to the FA.

Michael Oliver was seen talking to both managers shortly before the end of the match (REUTERS)

Sky Sports presenter David Jones later explained: "What we understand has happened is something has been said on the field.

"The referee, Michael Oliver, has come over to speak to the managers and what we're being told now is that that matter has been referred to the Football Association. And any further comments on it will come from them."

Bukayo Saka scored twice as Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium to move back top of the Premier League.

Manchester City had gone the summit with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday, but Arsenal responded with another determined display to edge a point clear again.

Oliver explained the situation to both bosses (PA)

The Gunners raced into the lead inside the opening minute when Gabriel Martinelli slotted past Alisson Becker following a sweeping counter-attack.

After their slow start, Liverpool recovered to equalise through Darwin Nunez in the 34th minute following a break down the right by Luis Diaz, who was later forced off just before the break through injury.

Arsenal regained the lead during first-half stoppage time when Saka stabbed the ball from close range only for Firmino to level things at 2-2 soon after the restart.

There was, though, more late drama when Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago fouled Gabriel, the decision upheld by VAR, and Saka slotted home the spot-kick.

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