Gabriel cleared after Emi Martinez clash as panel backs Arsenal vs Chelsea call | OneFootball

Gabriel Magalhaes has been cleared of wrongdoing after his boot caught Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during Arsenal's 2-1 win at the Emirates. The Premier League said its Key Match Incident Panel unanimously backed the on-field decision, judging the act not to be violent conduct or serious foul play.

The collision came five minutes into the six September derby amid a goalmouth scramble, with Martinez needing treatment. Referee Chris Kavanagh did not send off Gabriel and VAR did not advise a pitchside review.

All five panel members supported the call, noting the crowded area and players contesting a loose ball.

The decision maintains Gabriel's record of no straight reds in 265 Arsenal appearances. Since joining from Lille in 2020, he has received 32 yellows and two dismissals for second bookings.

Wayne Rooney condemned the challenge, saying replays showed a reckless act that went unpunished. Ashley Young questioned VAR, arguing Gabriel's foot was very high and nowhere near the ball while Martinez was on it.

Arsenal recovered after Morgan Rogers scored inside two minutes, with Kai Havertz levelling against his former club. Martin Odegaard struck the 50th-minute winner to preserve a 100 per cent start.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”