Arsenal forward Noni Madueke has accused Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister of trying to get him sent off during the Gunners' away win at Anfield.
The pair clashed in the second half as players from both sides pushed and shoved each other. During the exchange, Madueke moved his head towards Mac Allister, who then fell to the ground clutching his face.
Referee and pundits react
Referee Andy Madley kept his cards in his pocket, a decision that relieved both Mikel Arteta and Madueke. After the match, the Arsenal forward explained his view of the incident.
Madueke said: "I don't think it's anything whether it's a yellow card or a red card. The referee didn't think that. VAR didn't think that. So we all agreed there."
He added: "It's a natural movement. He's obviously clever, he tried to bait me into getting a red card there, but obviously not. In my head I was thinking 'Oh it's possible with VAR it's about whoever interprets it, I don't know what they're thinking. But thankfully it wasn't.'"
Pundits criticise Mac Allister
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both criticised Mac Allister's reaction, with Neville calling it "embarrassing" during the broadcast.
Neville said: "I don't think Mac Allister needs to go down like that but there's a little nudge with the head. A little inch forward can cost you a lot. Mac Allister's reaction is a bit over the top, I can tell you that. Get up. Embarrassing."
He added: "It's Mac Allister's fault because he slaps Odegaard when he's down which is unnecessary. It's the little movement forward of Madueke's head they're looking at. I hope they don't go for a red card for it."
The incident did not result in any disciplinary action from the match officials, and both teams continued play without further escalation.
