Leandro Trossard red card verdict delivered after Erling Haaland incident

Leandro Trossard has been told he was correct to remain on the field despite controversially hurling the ball at Bernardo Silvaduring Arsenal's draw with Manchester City. The Gunners appeared destined for a narrow loss in North London on Sunday.

Erling Haaland had given City the lead, before substituteGabriel Martinelli secured a share of the spoils in added time. Fellow replacement Trossard found himself at the centre of a contentious incident, though. The Belgian winger thew the ball at City opponent Silva after the Portuguese midfielder had done likewise to him.

The City man hit the floor theatrically but no further punishment was forthcoming. Nevertheless, former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher felt that no additional sanctions were necessary.

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Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "It's two players being petulant toward each other. Nothing in it. I think the referee [Stuart Attwell] has done really well."

Former striker Jay Boothroyd added: "I think there's a case for a yellow card. Bernardo Silva has thrown the ball back and then kind of said sorry.

"Trossard has picked up the ball and thrown it towards his groin area, which is sensitive. It's definitely not a red but there's an argument for a yellow."

However, Gallagher remained convinced that the match official had reached the correct verdict. He replied: "There's also an argument for common sense.

"If he gives a yellow card you'd be jumping up and down saying 'use common sense'. Is it done violently? No. Malice? I don't think so. If I was the ref, I would do exactly the same."

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The clash between Trossard and Silva bore a remarkable similarity to a comparable incident involving Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland from last season.

Following City's goal, the striker retrieved the ball from the net and hurled it at the Brazilian defender's head.

Haaland escaped FA punishment for the episode, and offered a rather diplomatic perspective when questioned about the confrontation, stating: "It was in the heat of the moment, and a lot of stuff happened in that game. Things that happen on the pitch stay there, and that's how it is.

"I don't regret much in life," Haaland continued when pressed about whether he felt remorse for the incident.

After their draw at the Emirates, Man City and Arsenal must wait until April for their return fixture at the Etihad Stadium. However, for now, both teams will focus their attention on their Carabao Cup obligations.

Man City make the trip to League One outfit Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening, whilst Arsenal are also set to face third-tier opponents in Port Vale.

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