Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee was spotted racing towards referee Anthony Taylor in fury during their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The spoils were shared at Old Trafford as the two rivals played out a 1-1 draw, with Declan Rice’s second-half strike cancelling out Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick just before the interval.
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The result was an encouraging one for the home side, who almost won it in the final moments but for an incredible stop from Gunners goalkeeper David Raya to deny Fernandes a second.
Meanwhile, the draw is another setback for Arsenal, who have now failed to win their last three games in the league, handing Liverpool a 15-point lead at the top.
Amid the latest clash at Old Trafford was a sudden flashpoint at the end of the first half, which saw Joshua Zirkzee appear intent on confronting referee Anthony Taylor.
The Red Devils had just gone 1-0 up through a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, bringing a fairly sub-par game to life with one swing of the Portuguese’s boot.
With the wind in their sails, United soon looked to break from an Arsenal corner, but the move ended with Zirkzee being left furious with the referee – with his reaction somewhat obscured on the Sky Sports coverage.
After Martin Odegaard’s corner was headed out by Victor Lindelof, the ball eventually broke to Fernandes, with Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee racing forward in a 2v2 attack.
But just as the Argentinian had looked to have been released down the right-hand side, with Zirkzee ahead of his man in the centre, Taylor called time on the first half.
Zirkzee could then be spotted hurtling back up the field to remonstrate with the referee, only for his captain to stop him from boiling over. But was his frustration justified?
Four added minutes were signalled just as Alejandro Garnacho was fouled by Leandro Trossard for the free-kick which gave the hosts a half-time lead.
About 45 seconds were added on top despite Fernandes’ set-piece goal coming in the 47th minute, followed by some passionate celebrations.
Therefore, there should have been more time allowed for that attack to progress – with Arsenal in danger of going two goals down in a flash.
Of course, Zirkzee would only have got himself in trouble had he reached the referee to vent his anger, so United may end up being grateful to Fernandes for preventing a more serious situation from developing.