Liverpool midfielder and captain, Jordan Henderson got into a fight with Arsenal defender, Gabriel, who was also involved in the incident At the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. After Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool, the referee, Michael Oliver, questioned both players about their thoughts following the match. At the time that this article was published, the details charges had not been disclosed. Investigations into the incident are currently being carried out by The Football Association (FA).
According to the reported, Gabriel, a defender for Arsenal, has stated that he heard something on the field that prompted an emotional confrontation with Henderson, who captains Liverpool. The argument started shortly after the contentious penalty that was awarded to Arsenal. The penalty was given in response to a challenge made by Liverpool midfielder Thiago on Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. Soon after, tempers flared and there was a confrontation that involved both teams of players. This is the time when Gabriel claims he heard anything being shouted, but the melee immediately followed.
After a complaint was lodged, the referee, Oliver, went over to the touchline and spoke with both managers, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp. He then informed them that the complaint had been lodged. Both players were called to effectively give evidence to the referee, which means that Oliver will now refer what the players said to the FA as part of the process by The Football Association (FA) and Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL), who are the governing body of football in England. Witnesses stated that the situation had calmed down in the tunnel area afterward.
In the aftermath of the game, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was supposed to participate in post-match interviews, but he was relieved of those responsibilities owing to the storm.
The FA has not provided any further comment on the topic and has reiterated the statement that they issued on Sunday night. In that statement, they indicated that they are currently engaging in conversation with all of the match officials and would “examine the specifics of the incident.” The FA has not provided any further comment on the topic and has reiterated the statement that they issued on Sunday night.
However, it is still unclear whether the FA would take the case further, which is especially concerning considering the fact that the manager of Arsenal, Arteta, seems to suggest that everything said on the field “should stay on the field.”
It is thought that both players shared their side with Oliver in the room where the officials were located. After the game was over, Oliver had more conversations with both of the managers. After the event, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refused to comment on the altercation, and all parties involved have remained silent over the matter.
It is anticipated that the first round of investigations will take a few days to finish. In circumstances like this one, it is routine practice for the FA to obtain eyewitness reports from all of the players who were involved in the argument or were within earshot of what was said. This request can also be made to any club support staff members who were present during the incident.
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