Arsenal: Why Noni Madueke avoided a red card against Liverpool as Premier League issue statement

Premier League confirms Madueke's head-to-head contact with Mac Allister was not violent conduct; VAR upheld the no-red-card decision.

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke avoided a red card in the Gunners' win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday after clashing with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister late in the match. The incident occurred after Mac Allister fouled Martin Odegaard near Arsenal's box. When Odegaard was awarded a free-kick, Mac Allister appeared to tap the Arsenal captain on the head in protest. Madueke then rushed over and leaned his head into Mac Allister as the two squared up.

Referee Andy Madley did not send off Madueke despite the winger already being on a yellow card. Instead, he showed yellow cards to both Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber. The Premier League's match centre confirmed the decision, stating that VAR checked and cleared the incident. According to the VAR official's assessment: "It's not forceful, not violent, not brutal." Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville praised VAR for recognising the contact did not warrant a red card.