Fresh video evidence has emerged detailing the explosive post-match confrontation between Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, which was reportedly ignited by a refused handshake. The incident unfolded immediately after the final whistle at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, where United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory with a late winner.
Handshake Snub Sparks Immediate Tension
According to the newly surfaced footage, Maguire approached the visibly dejected Brazilian international following the conclusion of the pulsating Premier League encounter. Gabriel, whose side had squandered a crucial opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table, appeared in no mood for post-match pleasantries and deliberately blanked the England international's advance.
The snub quickly escalated into a verbal exchange between the two centre-backs, with tensions rising sufficiently that United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was forced to sprint across the pitch to intervene. Witnesses observed Maguire, seemingly unimpressed by his counterpart's behaviour, delivering a shove before Lammens successfully steered the Arsenal defender away from the altercation.
Multiple Players Witness Escalating Confrontation
The heated moment attracted attention from several other players on the pitch, with United's Noussair Mazraoui and Arsenal forwards Victor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke all watching closely as the situation threatened to boil over. The referee ultimately sought to end the confrontation, with Gabriel needing to be led off the pitch by both his own staff and United players.
Late Game Incident Fuels Brazilian's Frustration
Sources suggest Gabriel's frustration may have stemmed from a specific incident during the match's closing exchanges. In the sixth minute of added time, as Arsenal desperately sought an equaliser, they launched a long ball toward their 6ft 3in defender. Instead of connecting with a header, Gabriel was visibly incensed after appearing to be lifted off the ground by Maguire, allowing United to clear the danger.
This physical contest in the dying moments appears to have contributed significantly to the Brazilian's post-match demeanour, compounding the disappointment of a defeat that carried substantial title implications.
Title Race Consequences Amplify Emotions
The defeat proved particularly costly for Mikel Arteta's side, who entered the match four points clear of Manchester City in second place with a game in hand. A victory would have extended their lead to seven points as they pursue their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite twice clawing back to level the score, Arsenal ultimately fell to Matheus Cunha's 87th-minute winner, marking their third league defeat this season.
Arteta Responds to Mental Strength Criticism
Following the match, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira criticised his former club's mental strength in the wake of their defeat. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta addressed these comments directly in his post-match press conference, stating: That's fine. We accept every opinion when it comes and where it's coming from, and they will have the right reasons to say.
Arteta continued: At the end we have to show the mental strength that we have on the pitch when it comes to matchday. We were absolutely brilliant in Milan and today we weren't that good. I don't know if it was mental because of how much they play, but because we were poor, especially technically in certain aspects of the game against a team that when you make those mistakes, they can punish you big time and that was the difference.
The confrontation between Gabriel and Maguire underscores the high stakes and intense emotions currently characterising this season's Premier League title race, with every point carrying significant weight as the campaign approaches its decisive phase.
