Dermot Gallagher makes his feelings clear on Florian Wirtz penalty controversy

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Liverpool and Arsenal played out a goalless draw at the Emirates on Thursday, but the match was not without controversy as a penalty appeal and injury incident sparked debate

Dermot Gallagher has offered his opinion(Image: Sky Sports)

Liverpool and Arsenal may have finished goalless on Thursday, but the match wasn't short of contentious moments.

One flashpoint arrived in the second half of the Premier League game when Florian Wirtz was refused a penalty. Wirtz went down following contact with Leandro Trossard inside the Gunners' box, prompting Gary Neville to suggest on commentary that a spot-kick could have been justified, describing the challenge as "clumsy."

The former Manchester United captain said live on Sky Sports: "I thought it was clumsy, actually. Trossard steps across him. There might not be enough in it, but he takes a real chance. It's not great from Trossard, not great at all.

"We have the VAR screens in front of us, and sometimes when you see them carry on looking at it after they have made the decision, 'Am I right here or not?'"

Former Arsenal striker Jay Bothroyd, appearing on Sky's Ref Watch on Friday, confessed his astonishment that a penalty wasn't awarded.

He said: "I was surprised this wasn't given. Wirtz showed great skill. The thing that saves Trossard is Wirtz' touch is heavy and it almost goes off the pitch. If the touch was closer, I'd give a penalty for that."

Florian Wirtz goes down under pressure from Leandro Trossard during Arsenal's draw with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Weighing in on the incident, ex-Premier League official Dermot Gallagher said: "That's absolutely true. He's pushed the ball so far, and then he's gone over."

Another debatable incident occurred late in the match when Gabriel Martinelli pushed Conor Bradley off the pitch.

Martinelli was seen throwing the ball at Bradley and handling him roughly as he lay injured on the pitch during the final moments at the Emirates Stadium.

Gabriel Martinelli was involved in a controversial incident on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)

The Northern Ireland international exited the stadium on crutches, sporting a supportive brace on his left knee. Despite calls for the FA to intervene, it's unlikely that Martinelli will face any further sanctions.

The Football Association is unable to step in as the incident was noticed and addressed by match official Taylor and VAR John Brooks at the time, resulting in a yellow card.

In reaction to the criticism, Martinelli took to his Instagram account to post a story, writing: "Conor and I have messaged and I have already apologized to him.

"I really didn't understand he was seriously injured in the heat of the moment. I want to say I'm deeply sorry for reacting. Sending Conor all my best again for a quick recovery."