FA to investigate Arsenal and Liverpool over heated bust-up between Henderson and Gabriel

The FA are to investigate Arsenal and Liverpool over the heated bust-up between Jordan Henderson and Gabriel on Sunday afternoon.

A fiery row took place in the Gunners’ 3-2 win over the Reds on Sunday, coming after the hosts awarded a penalty with around 15 minutes remaining.

Jordan Henderson and Gabriel mouthed off to each other, with Granit Xhaka also squaring up to Henderson and grabbing his shirt.

Jordan Henderson’s exchange with Gabriel Magalhaes during today’s game, what do you think he has said? #lfc #afc pic.twitter.com/osqVAIaPc9

— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers) October 9, 2022

It is believed referee Michael Oliver alerted rivals managers Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp to comments which were made between players in the closing stages of the Premier League game.

The two managers reportedly spoke with the referee after the match too with Oliver reporting the incident to the FA after the game and a review will be launched into the matter.

An FA spokesperson said: “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.”

Bukayo Saka was calm throughout the saga and slotting home the penalty to win the game for his side.

He was unaware of what was going on as he waited to take his spot-kick and said after the match that he thought it may have been a ploy by Liverpool players to distract him.

Asked about the penalty, Saka said: “I’ve been practising, all the time. We practice.

“I don’t know what was going on with the fighting, if they were trying to get in my head, but I knew what I was going to do in my mind, and stuck with it.”

Arteta was asked about the incident post-match but he remained tight lipped.

The Spaniard said: “The incident that happened…whatever happens on that pitch, stays on that pitch.”

Klopp said afterwards he was ‘not allowed’ to divulge any more details of the conversation with Oliver.

Player ratings

Arsenal: Ramsdale (6), White (7), Saliba (6), Gabriel (5), Tomiyasu (7), Partey (6), Xhaka (7), Saka (8), Odegaard (7), Martinelli (9), Jesus (8).

Subs: Tierney (N/A), Nketiah (N/A), Vieira (N/A).

Liverpool: Alisson (6), Alexander-Arnold (5), Matip (5), Van Dijk (6), Tsimikas (5), Henderson (6), Thiago (6), Salah (5), Diaz (7), Nunez (7), Jota (6).

Subs: Firmino (7), Gomez (5), Fabinho (6), Konate (6), Elliott (6).

Player of the match: Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to Sky Sports: “It feels great [beating Liverpool], especially the way we won the game, the way we played, the atmosphere, I think we deserved to win the game.

“There were a lot of moments, the way they can open you up and exploit the space. They were very efficient with the chances they had. But we showed a lot of composure and character in difficult moments to overcome them, especially in the second half.

“It was a lively half-time team talk, but I wanted to give them some encouragement and confidence the game was there for the taking. There were obviously a few things we had to adjust and be better at; more composure and more courage to play.

“Everything was better in the second half. The organisation, the timing of the press, we won every duel and second ball. I was really happy with that.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp: “We’re not in the title race. Imagine I would sit here and think we’re nearly there, wait. We have problems at the moment but we caused the team in form, the leader of the table, massive problems today. Even in a really bad situation for us, with early changes and stuff like this we caused them real problems. We have to continue. We will go out there and fight. We are not here for being happy with the situation and thinking about last year.

“Very disappointed. Around all three goals we made decisive mistakes. The first goal is not what you need. A bad start. We start controlling the game against a very aggressive, full-of-confidence Arsenal side. We showed we’re here for a reason, scored an equaliser, a wonderful goal. Then it’s an open game and advantage for us. Then we make a bad decision before half-time, what are we doing? Worst possible start, worst possible end.

“Luis Diaz we had to change, something with the knee, not good. He will have a scan. On top of that, Trent is bad with his twisted ankle. Trent never in seven years went off if he could play on. Much pain, swelling immediately…

“Arsenal came out very aggressive [for the second half]. We scored an equaliser, then it was a really open game, with slight advantage for us. Then the penalty happens. He thought immediately it was a penalty, which was interesting. [VAR] Mr England had a look and if two refs think the same it’s the truth we have to live with. If there was contact – and I’m not sure there was but there might have been soft contact – the player goes again on both feet and then down and that’s an indication something might have been made up… But not for the refs. But they thought it was clear not a handball in the first half when Diogo put the pull on [Gabriel’s] arm. We can not change that.

“Our situation now is a really difficult one. With injuries on top of that. These decisions go against you, it’s kind of typical but doesn’t help. We’ve lost the game with a lot of good moments, and could have got a result. A draw would have been a deserved result.”