FORMER Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher assessed Friday’s incident between Gabriel Martinelli and Jan Bednarek and determined the right action was taken by officials.

Polish international Bednarek was substituted following the concussion protocol after 40 minutes of the 3-3 draw at Emirates Stadium.

Goalscorer Martinelli backed into the defender as he was climbing to contest an aerial ball and the Saints man was dumped onto the surface and left in a heap.

Although he pleaded with manager Ruben Selles and the medical team, Bednarek was taken off and could even miss Thursday’s clash with AFC Bournemouth.

Some Saints supporters called for punishment for Martinelli, who avoided even a yellow card for the dangerous action – which has been coined ‘making a back’.

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On Sky Sports, Gallagher said: “I think you’ve got to be careful, it’s a foul and there’s no doubt about that but it‘s not a foul made with any malice. It’s a consequence of how he fell.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s very unfortunate. We don’t want to see anyone injured or with a concussion but I don’t think the referee can do anymore – it’s a foul but it’s certainly not a red card.”

Gallagher, who refereed the top flight for 15 years, added: “People say why wasn’t it referred to VAR but VAR are never going to recommend a red card. I think not, you can’t go too far the other way.

“Martinelli has backed into him, it’s a foul but that’s all it is. It isn’t done with any malice and it’s caused by Bednarek falling on his neck.”