Neville brands Gabriel 'embarrassing' for going down holding his face against Liverpool

Gary Neville publicly shamed Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes as “embarrassing” during the Premier League fixture at Liverpool, after the defender appeared to clutch his face following a challenge with Alexander Isak in the opening minutes.

The incident began when Isak raised his leg to control a high ball and made contact with Gabriel’s face. The Arsenal defender immediately dropped to the ground with his hands over his face, a reaction that drew a sharp rebuke from Neville in commentary.

“Gabriel does let himself down at times,” Neville said. “I love his passion and tenacity. But there’s a push into his upper chest and goes down holding his face. It’s embarrassing. He’s got to stop doing that.”

Gabriel recovered quickly and was back in action without any apparent injury. Mikel Arteta had selected him as part of a back four alongside Riccardo Calafiori, Ezri Konsa, and Jurrien Timber for the high-stakes away fixture.

The clash between the two sides was feisty from the outset, with both teams pressing hard in the early exchanges. Gabriel’s theatrics, however brief, gave Neville — the former Manchester United captain — an early flashpoint to address, and he did not hold back.