Did Gabriel Martinelli snub handshake from Emile Smith Rowe? Fans question whether winger ignored Arsenal team-mate after being subbed or simply did not see him
- Gabriel Martinelli cut a frustrated figure after coming on as a substitute against Fulham
- The Arsenal star appeared to miss a handshake from Emile Smith Rowe
- 'Five, six, seven years of rock 'n' roll football'… have Liverpool fans been spoiled under Jurgen Klopp? It all starts
Arsenal fans have debated online over whether Gabriel Martinelli rejected a handshake from Emile Smith Rowe after being substituted in the club's defeat to Fulham.
The Gunners' faltering form of late continued at Craven Cottage on Sunday, despite Mikel Arteta's side taking an early lead through Bukayo Saka.
Marco Silva's side have historically struggled after falling behind in the Premier League, but recovered well on Sunday, with Raul Jimenez equalizing from Tom Cairney's cross after 29 minutes.
The frustrations on the pitch were clearly visible for the visitors, and things went from bad to worse for the Gunners when Bobby Decordova-Reid put the Cottagers ahead after an hour.
Despite his shot netting the rebound for Saka's opener, Martinelli struggled to influence the match as it progressed and the Brazilian was replaced by Leandro Trossard as Arsenal hunted for an equalizer.
Arsenal fans have taken to social media to wonder whether Gabriel Martinelli deliberately snubbed Emile Smith Rowe
Frustrations were evident at Craven Cottage as Arsenal suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season
When Martinelli returned to the bench, he acknowledged Reiss Nelson but appeared to miss Smith-Rowe's offer of a handshake, sparking discussion from supporters on social media.
Some fans interpreted the Brazilian's actions as a deliberate disrespect towards his teammate.
One wrote: 'I knew something was wrong with this team but y'all wouldn't tell the truth.'
Another noted that Smith Rowe could soon leave the club: 'I didn't notice this, it might clarify a few things.
'I really think Smith Rowe will leave in Jan which will be a huge loss. We are so much better with him on the team.β
Some supporters on social media were convinced Martinelli had snubbed his teammate
Another added: 'I feel sorry for ESR, he deserves so much better.'
Other supporters insisted Martinelli had simply not seen Smith Rowe's outstretched hand as he took his seat on the bench.
One wrote: 'He probably didn't see it and y'all are making a big deal out of nothing.
βThe main issue is how poor the team has been for over a month now.β
Another agreed: 'Nothing, people are just looking for problems that aren't there, probably just didn't see them, didn't cheat on Reiss either, Reiss just patted him on the back.'
But others insisted the Brazilian simply did not see Smith Rowe's outstretched hand
Smith Rowe has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in January after finding himself on the fringes of Mikel Arteta's side
Smith Rowe has struggled with minutes this season, with injuries further limiting his involvement with the Gunners.
The 23-year-old was an unused substitute in the club's first five Premier League games and has made just one start in the competition this season, playing 73 minutes before being substituted in the club's 5-0 win over Sheffield United in October.
The academy graduate was linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, with Arsenal reportedly rejecting an approach from Chelsea for the England international.
Newcastle are also said to be interested in signing the midfielder, while Eddie Howe is reportedly keen to pursue a move for Smith Rowe once the transfer window opens on Monday.
