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Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Gary Neville left baffled by 'incredible' decision early in Arsenal vs Brighton

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli was lucky to escape any kind of punishment after a poor challenge left Brighton forward Kauro Mitoma in a heap on the floor. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was baffled that the Brazilian did not even receive a booking from referee Andrew Madley.

The Gunners are looking to close the gap to Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after Pep Guardiola's side beat Everton at Goodison Park earlier this afternoon. City currently sit four points clear of Arsenal with Mikel Arteta's side able to move a point behind the reigning champions with a win against Brighton.

It's been a fiery start between the two sides in North London with Martinelli and Moises Caicedo both avoiding bookings for dangerous tackles. Mitoma was left clutching his face after the Arsenal star jumped and shoulder barged him in the face.

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Brighton LIVE: Tierney starts, Zinchenko missing, little rotation from Mikel Arteta

Neville admitted Madley's decision not to even brandish a yellow card to Martinelli was 'incredible' as he questioned whether it could have been a red card early in the game. "It didn't look clever on first sight I have to say," Neville said during his commentary of the game.

"He was never there to start with and it wasn't his ball. Mitoma was always going to win it so anything he did was either going to be a head-on-head or an elbow/shoulder on head.

"A bit of a barge. That's not great at all, that.

"Is he not booking him? Wow.

"That is incredible. I don't think I would have complained if it was a red, or have I lost my mind?"

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