Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is set to escape further FA action after pushing referee Sam Barrott during the FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is expected to avoid further punishment from the English FA after pushing referee Sam Barrott during their FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

The incident occurred when Barrott attempted to manage a quick free-kick situation, only for Martinelli to shove the official in frustration. The referee immediately responded by showing the Arsenal attacker a yellow card.

Martinelli just shoving the ref

As you do 🫨 pic.twitter.com/G6NfHF1FWs

— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) April 5, 2026

Despite the contact, no additional disciplinary measures are expected. Because Barrott dealt with the matter on the pitch at the time, the FA is not planning to review the situation further.

Reports indicate that the governing body considers the in-game caution sufficient punishment, meaning Martinelli will not face suspension or further sanctions. However, the incident sparked debate among former officials, including ex-referee Mark Halsey, who strongly criticised the Arsenal forward’s actions.

Halsey argued that Martinelli’s conduct showed “total disrespect” and suggested that the challenge warranted a red card instead of a booking, stressing that players should never put their hands on match officials.

He also warned about the wider message such actions could send to grassroots football, highlighting the importance of protecting referees at all levels of the game and maintaining respect for officials across the sport.