According to a report by Evening Standard on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in their 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, the Premier League has clarified why Arsenal winger Noni Madueke did not receive a red card.

As Sunday's Premier League match came to a close, Madueke got into a scuffle with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, prompting speculation as to whether the Arsenal attacker deserved a straight red or a second yellow.

Referee Andy Madley gave Arsenal a free kick on the edge of their penalty area after Mac Allister fouled captain Martin Odegaard. This led to the incident.

Nevertheless, the midfielder from Liverpool seemed dissatisfied with the call, engaging in a verbal altercation with the downed Odegaard before apparently tapping the head of the Arsenal captain.

The melee between Madueke and Mac Allister drew the admiration of their teammates as the two players collided head-on.

After receiving a yellow card earlier in the match, the Arsenal winger leaned his head toward the Argentine midfielder, leading to a potentially contentious situation.

Referee Madley chose not to punish Madueke any further after the altercation. The referee instead showed yellow cards to Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber, an Arsenal defender.

After video assistant referees reviewed the incident, the Premier League explained through its match center that the decision not to dismiss the Arsenal winger stood.

According to the statement, video assistant referees agreed with the referee that Madueke's behavior did not constitute a red card despite their examination of the potential for violent conduct.

The video assistant referee also saw the two players make contact, but he or she decided the altercation wasn't violent or strong enough to cause a dismissal.

On the other hand, Sky Sports co-commentator and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville agreed with the decision not to dismiss Madueke.

During the altercation, Neville blasted Mac Allister for his reaction, calling the Liverpool midfielder's decision to go to the ground pointless. He went on to say that VAR was right to rule that the player should not have been sent off for the incident.

Arsenal were able to keep their numerical advantage and defend their lead because Madueke escaped further punishment.

With a goal from Kai Havertz in the first half, the Gunners were able to seal the deal and earn their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012.