Footage of match referee Andy Madley’s half-time tunnel conversation with Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães has gone viral following Sunday’s fiery clash at Anfield, raising eyebrows across the footballing world.
Video shows Madley sharing a lighthearted exchange with the Brazilian centre-back in the tunnel just before the second half.
The referee appeared to issue a casual verbal warning regarding fouls, a warm interaction that left Liverpool supporters, already aggrieved by a series of contentious on-field decisions, completely incensed.
Fans on social media slammed the official’s conduct, demanding answers from PGMOL over what many perceived as inappropriate familiarity mid-game.
?| NEW: Liverpool fans are furious after footage emerged showing Arsenal defender chatting with referee.
"Gabriel, be careful, yeah you have already got 2 fouls." pic.twitter.com/HjFpN2pBvK
— Kalshi FC (@KalshiFC) November 2, 2026
Liverpool denied penalty after Jurrien Timber challenge on Alexander Isak
The controversy deepened as Liverpool felt hard done by after being denied a clear penalty during the 1-0 defeat.
Replays showed Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber grabbing and pulling the shirt of Alexander Isak inside the penalty box as the Swedish striker jumped to meet a dangerous cross.
Despite visible contact preventing Isak from reaching the ball, Madley waved play on, and VAR official Stuart Attwell opted against sending the referee to the monitor.
Reds boss Andoni Iraola expressed his disbelief post-match, insisting it was a “clear penalty” and questioning why players are forced to fall to the turf to earn decisions.
Arsenal go clear at Premier League summit after historic Anfield victory
Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Kai Havertz, strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League table.
The result marked the Gunners’ first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years, ending a lengthy wait for success at one of English football’s most difficult away grounds.
Mikel Arteta’s side also benefited from Manchester City’s unexpected 1-0 defeat against Brighton, allowing Arsenal to extend their advantage in the title race.
For Liverpool, the defeat represented a disappointing setback in a high-profile fixture.
Iraola’s side will feel they had opportunities to take something from the contest, particularly given the disputed penalty incident involving Isak.
However, Arsenal’s defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive as they protected their narrow lead.
The controversy surrounding Madley’s performance is likely to remain a talking point, particularly after the emergence of the tunnel footage.
While the referee’s exchange with Gabriel does not establish any wrongdoing, its timing has intensified scrutiny of the officiating during a fiercely contested encounter at Anfield.
Usual systematic bias against Liverpool. Everyone said it was ridiculous until Coote, now we know it’s not.
Nyoni was spared..for what? no card at all,no complains too,but you can cry till.tmrw dude
Yes there is a gang of them all there to prevent Liverpool getting an even chance. It can be shown thru the spurs game, the Robertson elbow, Coote, atwell, Oliver payments, its f disgusting
What about Nyoni stepping on Odegaard’s calf and didn’t even get a yellow?
They can’t answer that
What about Odegaard playing basket ball in the area and Liverpool not getting yet ANOTHER penalty.
They r ever lifted, but they will never reach us. #YNWA
Well said @red ted. Well said
Isn’t this exactly the kind of sensible man-management we’ve asked for from referees for decades? We complain that refs show no common sense and don’t try to relate to players on a personal level, and when they do, they’re criticized for it. It’s why people have advocated for ex-players to become refs, because they have invaluable experience that refs lack. That said, he still had an awful game!
Liverpool were totally Rob by var
Howard Webb needs to be replaced he was never a Liverpool fan as I am sure the refereeing body are well aware and always made contentious decisions when he was in control of Liverpool games that now seems to be reflected whoever we have in charge of Liverpool games.
The game is be controlled by a few corrupt individuals at the top, we need a clear out and a change of guard.
PGMOL will destroy THE EPL as the top league in the world – because they and their officials are deciding games/its called CORRUPTION and LFC need to call it out. YNWA.
VAR is controlled by human beings. so again, var can be influenced by biased officials, as with the Liverpool vs Arsenal game. biased officials decide who they want to win a game. That is corruption. so much for the premier league. Just like Man city winning unfairly. Winning any league becomes meaningless due to the corruption.
Clutching at straws.. embarrassing!
Why is it always the head of the PGMOL someone who is against Liverpool, I can’t recall the ref who was before Howard, that ref was a Man U fan.