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Moises Caicedo speaks out after ‘bad tackle’ on Gabriel Martinelli.
Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo has expressed sadness for the challenge that forced Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to be substituted only 20 minutes into Sunday’s meeting.
Ultimately, the Seagulls prevailed 3-0, perhaps putting an end to Arsenal’s ambitions of winning the Premier League. However, Caicedo and Martinelli’s shoddy tackle was also a hot topic.
Martinelli had just engaged in an impulsive aerial duel with Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma. The winger for Arsenal struck Mitoma carelessly, leaving the representative of Japan sprawled on the ground.
Caicedo was the first person on the scene to complain to referee Andy Madley about Martinelli’s challenge. Caicedo was a transfer target for Arsenal both in January and going ahead.
Despite the fact that it was risky, the official supported Martinelli and did not even issue a warning to him.
Soon after, Caicedo appeared to take matters into his own hands by exacting some retribution. When Martinelli received the ball, the Ecuadorian rushed him and tackled him from behind.
After that, Caicedo and Mitoma gave each other a stealthy high-five to suggest that the violent retaliation had a purpose.
However, over time, Caicedo seems to have come to regret his conduct. Although he hasn’t offered an apology, he has subsequently commented on social media that, given the chance again, he would act differently.
“If I could turn back time I wouldn’t have made that bad tackle,” he said.
Club doctor Gary O’Driscoll allayed fears that it was a season-ending injury: “He’s a bit sore but he should be okay. I think he should be back before the end of the season.”