Erling Haaland believes Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes would have received his marching orders had the Manchester City striker chosen to collapse to the ground following their heated confrontation on Sunday.
The flashpoint occurred in the closing stages of the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium when a physical tussle between the pair escalated after Haaland shoved the Brazilian during a stoppage in play.
The two forwards squared up face to face before Gabriel thrust his head towards the Norwegian in what would typically constitute violent conduct.
Despite the aggressive nature of the incident, referee Anthony Taylor opted to show only a yellow card, a decision that left numerous pundits and supporters stunned by its leniency.
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Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland suggested the outcome might have differed had he made more of the contact.
"I think if I fell on the floor there, which I would not do unless someone really attacks me, I think maybe it would be a red card," the City forward said.
"I'm not sure. I haven't seen the situation to be honest but it is what it is. I will not fall on the floor as easy as this. Yellow card for me, I don't know why. He comes up to my face, it is what it is."
Erling Haaland and Gabriel had to be separated during the match between Man City and Arsenal
|PA
The Norwegian expressed further frustration to Viaplay, stating: "Should I tell the referee? Doesn't matter. Look at this, what is this?!"
When questioned about Taylor's explanation, Haaland revealed the official attributed blame to both parties.
Gary Neville was equally baffled by the referee's decision, declaring his astonishment that Gabriel escaped without a dismissal.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS"Now why did you do that, Gabriel?" the former Manchester United defender questioned on Sky Sports.
"You can put your heads against each other, I got done in a game a long time ago, the moment you throw it forward you get a red.
"I can't believe that's not a red to be honest."
The incident has sparked widespread debate about consistency in officiating when dealing with such confrontations.
Erling Haaland struck the winner as Man City beat Arsenal | REUTERSHaaland had earlier proved the match-winner, netting in the second half to secure all three points for the Citizens after Kai Havertz had equalised following Rayan Cherki's opening goal.
The victory leaves Pep Guardiola's side trailing the Gunners by just three points in the Premier League standings, with the opportunity to claim top spot should they defeat Burnley in their game in hand on Wednesday evening.
The Premier League defended the officiating in an official statement, confirming that VAR had reviewed Taylor's decision and upheld it.
The governing body stated that Gabriel's actions were "deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent," justifying the yellow card rather than a dismissal.