Fans can't believe Gabriel Martinelli wasn't punished for sickening challenge on Kaoru Mitoma

Fans were left scratching their heads as to how Gabriel Martinelli was not punished for a brutal challenge on Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma.

Martinelli challenged the Japan international in the air early on at the Emirates but collided with him in sickening fashion.

He jumped into Mitoma, his forearm smashing into the 25-year-old and sending him falling to the turf with devastating impact.

The Seagulls winger required treatment as a result of the clash but somehow Martinelli was let off the hook.

It was dangerous from the Brazilian and Gary Neville said on commentary he felt it could have even been a red card. Yet much to the surprise of many, no action whatsoever was taken by Andy Madley or the VAR.

One fan wrote: "Martinelli making no attempt at the ball jumps straight into Mitoma and smacks him in the face with his arm. Not even a booking."

A second said: "How hasn’t Martinelli been booked for that challenge on Mitoma!??"

A third added: "How has Martinelli got away with that?"

A fourth opined: "Genuinely think Martinelli could have seen red for that, so dangerous."

Another commented: "I’m really livid with VAR decision this afternoon. How is this tackle from Martinelli to Mitoma not a red card."

Gabriel Martinelli just did this and didn’t even receive a card, reffing in this league is absolutely horrendous😂 pic.twitter.com/wkawbjqDb6

— connor🗿 (@ConnorWhiten) May 14, 2023

Moments after and Martinelli was on the receiving end of a shocking tackle from Moises Caicedo, who hacked him down in what could have been seen as an act of revenge on behalf of his teammate.

Martinelli had to be seen to by the medical team and after trying to play on, ultimately had to be taken off and was replaced by former Brighton winger Leandro Trossard in the 20th minute.

The fact that neither Martinelli or Caicedo were booked for their challenges was almost baffling and set a dangerous precedent for what might be viewed as a yellow card worthy offence in the Premier League.