Arsenal defender Gabriel kicking Emi Martinez in the head not a red card offence, expert panel rules | OneFootball

An independent panel has determined that officials made the right decision by not issuing a red card to Arsenal defender Gabriel following a kick to the head of Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez earlier this month.

The Brazilian’s left boot caught Martinez in the face while a group of players scrambled for the loose ball during the match at the Emirates Stadium on September 6.

Referee Chris Kavanagh took no action on the pitch, with VAR Darren England endorsing the referee’s initial call.

The Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel reviewed the situation and fully backed the officiating team's approach.

"The panel unanimously supported the referee’s call of no red card," confirmed the panel report published on Wednesday.

"Multiple players were on the ground competing and challenging for the loose ball and the action of Gabriel was not deemed to be an act of violent conduct or serious foul play."

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Arsenal were left fuming with the penalty decision against Sunderland last weekend (Getty)

The KMI panel consists of three former players and coaches, one Premier League representative and another coming from Pro Ref.

Arsenal are understood to have contacted Pro Ref earlier this week seeking official clarification regarding the awarding of a penalty to Sunderland in their latest Premier League match on September 12.

Ezri Konsa was penalised for holding Sunderland’s Dan Ballard, a decision Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta described as "unacceptable".

The two incidents involving Arsenal come at a time when VAR is under major scrutiny following Erling Haaland’s controversial goal in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

Haaland’s goal was allowed to stand despite teammate Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position and interfering with play. Pro Ref subsequently acknowledged an “error of judgement” by the VAR team.

A Pro Ref spokesperson said: “Following the incident in the 60th minute of Sunday's Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford, we can provide clarification regarding Erling Haaland’s awarded goal.

“The on-field decision was offside against Erling Haaland – that was checked by VAR and he was found to be in an onside position.

“In the same attack, it was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.

“Contact has been made with Manchester United this evening to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement. A review of the incident will take place.”