What referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz did to Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal’s Europa League exit
Antonio Mateu Lahoz, the referee, was seen offering comfort to Gabriel Martinelli, a player for Arsenal, after the team was eliminated from the Europa League by Sporting CP in a penalty shootout.
Despite a 3-3 aggregate score, the Gunners were unable to advance to the quarter-finals, with Martinelli missing a crucial penalty kick.
The already difficult situation for Mikel Arteta was made worse by injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba, both sustained in the first half of the game.
Tomiyasu was observed exiting the Emirates Stadium on crutches after being substituted within the first 10 minutes.
Arsenalbrief.football has learned that Arsenal intended to evaluate Saliba’s condition over the weekend in preparation for their upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
However, it seems likely that the French defender will be unable to participate in the game following reports from France that he did not pass a fitness test. In fact, sources have suggested that Saliba’s injury may be even more severe than initially anticipated.
Gabriel Martinelli took a penalty kick, but unfortunately, his attempt was saved by the Sporting goalkeeper Adan. Despite Adan making several crucial saves during extra-time to keep Sporting in the game, they managed to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.
Following the game, Referee Lahoz was seen giving Martinelli a hug to offer his condolences and support after the Brazilian’s disappointing penalty miss.
Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz consoles Gabriel Martinelli after the full-time whistle, where his penalty miss subsequently knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League against Sporting CP on Thursday. #afc pic.twitter.com/tUvvUWFrbE
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) March 18, 2023
With their exit from the Europa League, Arsenal’s focus will now solely be on the Premier League as they continue their title race against Manchester City this weekend.
Gabriel Martinelli will undoubtedly be hoping to redeem himself after his penalty miss in the Europa League by continuing his impressive goal-scoring form and helping the Gunners achieve their first Premier League title in almost two decades.
What referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz did to Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal’s Europa League exit