'I wish I did' - Noni Madueke makes Arsenal red card admission amid Liverpool headbutt controversy

It was one of many clashes in a feisty encounter at Anfield, where the Gunners claimed a first victory in 14 years thanks to Kai Havertz’s winner.

There was an incident in the second half when Madueke and Mac Allister squared off, as heads clashed in the confrontation, with the Argentina midfielder taking a dive in a bid to con the officials.

Neither player was sent off by the referee Andy Madley, with VAR in agreement that there had been “no violent conduct” from the Arsenal winger.

Clash: Noni Madueke and Alexis Mac Allister

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That decision was explained on the Premier League Match Centre X account shortly afterwards.

Speaking to Viaplay post-match, former Chelsea forward Madueke was asked by ex-Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg whether he’d have swapped shirts with Mac Allister at full time.

“I wish I did,” the England international joked.

"I don’t think it’s anything whether it's a yellow card or a red card. The referee didn’t think that. VAR didn’t think that. So we all agreed there.

"It's a natural movement. He's obviously clever, he tried to bait me into getting a red card there, but obviously not.

"In my head I was thinking 'Oh, it's possible with VAR; it's about whoever interprets it. I don't know what they're thinking. But thankfully it wasn't."

Madueke started off the right flank for Arsenal following Bukayo Saka’s thigh injury that will keep his compatriot out for a number of weeks, after he picked up the problem in the Champions League trip to Bayern Munich.

Next up for the Premier League champions is a trip to Slavia Prague on the continent before they host Hull.