Arsenal: Why Gabriel avoided a red card against Man City as Premier League issue statement

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·19 April 2026

Arsenal: Why Gabriel avoided a red card against Man City as Premier League issue statement

Arsenal defender avoided further punishment following his clash with Erling Haaland

The Premier League have issued a statement explaining why Gabriel was not sent off in Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City.

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With seven minutes of normal time remaining at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Gabriel clashed with Man City striker Erling Haaland as the pair battled for possession in the middle of the park.

After City were awarded a free-kick for a foul by the Brazilian, the two players went head-to-head.

However, referee Anthony Taylor opted to show both players a yellow card in a decision that left Pep Guardiola fuming on the touchline as he was also cautioned.

The Premier League’s Match Centre have now confirmed that Gabriel avoided a red card because his action was not aggressive or violent.

A statement reads: “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.”

Pep Guardiola was booked for his reaction

PA

Haaland, ultimately, had the last laugh as it was his goal in the 65th minute that settled the Premier League title showdown in Man City’s favour.

Rayan Cherki did break the deadlock with a fine solo effort, but Kai Havertz equalised immediately after as he closed down Gianluigi Donnaruma’s clearance to force the ball into the net.

The result means City trail the Gunners by three points having played one game fewer.