Alexis Mac Allister initiated a heated incident against Arsenal when he screamed down at a fallen Martin Odegaard during Liverpool's attempt to equalise at Anfield.
The Argentine midfielder, playing for Liverpool, fouled the Arsenal captain and then leaned over the injured player, shouting at the back of his head.
He briefly slapped the back of Odegaard's head before stepping away.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber objected to the behaviour and followed Mac Allister to confront him, causing several players from both sides to rush to the scene.
Winger Noni Madueke broke through the melee, confronting Liverpool's No10 and pushing his head forward until it touched Mac Allister's head.
The contact appeared minor, yet the 27-year-old fell dramatically, clutching his face.
Madueke managed an awkward grin, while Declan Rice leaned in to deliver harsh words to Mac Allister, echoing his earlier remarks to Odegaard.
VAR reviewed the episode but ruled it did not meet the threshold for violent conduct regarding head-to-head contact.
