Gabriel Martinelli disallowed VAR goal vs Brighton leads former ref to call for possible change

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has suggested that a time limit should be introduced following Gabriel Martinelli's disallowed 'goal' for Arsenal against Brighton this weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side were beaten 2-1 by the Seagulls at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon with Martinelli denied a first-half equaliser, as his header was eventually ruled out following an almost four-minute wait by VAR.

The Gunners slumped to their 10th domestic defeat of the season, as goals from Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu condemned the side in a relatively lacklustre showing throughout.

That defeat was compounded by north London rivals Tottenham recording as resounding 4-0 win away to Aston Villa, whilst Manchester United and West Ham both lost respective away fixtures at Everton and Brentford.

Halsey, who officiated in England's top flight from 1999 until his retirement in 2013, agreed with the decision taken at the Emirates this weekend, but believes more should be done to reduce the time spent waiting on-field.

“Arsenal’s disallowed goal against Brighton looked like the right call," Halsey told CaughtOffside. “Gabriel Martinelli was just offside, his foot strayed offside.

“The question is, why did it take four minutes to decide? I know there were other questions in there too – was there a foul? Did it come off a Brighton defender? – but it shouldn’t be taking four or five minutes to make that call.

“That’s what frustrates everybody, the length of time taken. If you’re looking at it for that long then maybe there’s an argument it should just be a goal.