Premier League panel rules Arsenal defender Gabriel deserved red card
An independent Premier League panel has ruled that Arsenal defender Gabriel should have been sent off for headbutting Manchester City striker Erling Haaland during their heated draw at the Etihad Stadium last month.
The Brazilian centre-back escaped with a yellow card following the clash with the Norwegian forward.
Referee Anthony Taylor opted against a dismissal, and video assistant referee John Brooks chose not to intervene after deeming the action lacked excessive aggression.
However, the Premier League’s key match incidents panel has now concluded the on-field decision was incorrect.
The group voted 3-2 in favour of a red card, citing the defender’s forward head movement as an act of violent conduct.
VAR intervention rejected
Despite agreeing the former Lille stopper deserved to be sent off, the panel voted 4-1 against VAR overturning the original yellow card.
Two members of the committee argued that there was minimal force and no initial backward movement from the Arsenal man.
Had a red card been issued, the 26-year-old would have faced an automatic three-match suspension for violent conduct.
Such a ban would have ruled the crucial defensive pillar out of recent fixtures against Newcastle United, Fulham, and West Ham United.
Player and pundit verdicts
Following the match, the reigning Golden Boot winner suggested that embellishing the contact might have resulted in a harsher punishment.
“If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card.”
The prolific City goalscorer admitted he was confused by the provocation but refused to simulate an injury.
“For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, speaking on commentary during the game, also expressed astonishment at the leniency shown.
“The moment you throw it forward you get a red. I can’t believe that’s not a red to be honest.”